What happened
During a recreational flight involving six people, the pilot attempted a takeoff at the Berdoues Aerodrome. While taxiing toward the runway, the pilot observed a large cumulonimbus cloud approaching from the west. Despite the approaching weather, the pilot proceeded with a flapless takeoff procedure.
As the aircraft moved toward the runway threshold, the pilot noted a 30-knot wind originating from the south. However, as the aircraft passed the windsock a second time just before rotation, the pilot realized the wind had shifted to a 30-knot tailwind. Because the takeoff roll was already too far advanced to abort, the flight continued.
The single-engine airplane struggled to climb due to the tailwind component. The aircraft descended into a grassy area beyond the runway end and subsequently collided with small trees approximately 200 meters further. The impact caused the aircraft to lose its left wing and undercarriage before it stopped in a pasture 300 meters from the runway end. All six occupants survived the event with minor injuries, though the aircraft was destroyed.
Findings
- The pilot proceeded with a takeoff despite observing deteriorating weather conditions in the form of an approaching cumulonimbus cloud.
- A sudden shift to a 30-knot tailwind occurred during the takeoff roll, preventing the aircraft from gaining sufficient altitude.