What happened
On the morning of July 24, 2011, a Piper PA-46-350P, registration N46TW, was involved in a fatal accident during its departure from Rantoul National Aviation Center Airport-Frank Elliott Field in Illinois. The aircraft, operated by a private pilot, was performing a flight under instrument flight rules (IFR) destined for Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport in Florida.
Following a standard preflight inspection and the loading of approximately 80 pounds of luggage, the aircraft taxied for departure with two passengers on board. During the takeoff roll on runway 27, the engine appeared to be producing normal power. An eyewitness observed the aircraft climbing to approximately 500 feet, at which point the landing gear had been retracted. As the aircraft attempted to turn south, it encountered strong winds originating from the northwest.
As the aircraft progressed, the wind conditions caused the tail to lift and the nose to pitch downward. This descent led the aircraft to strike powerlines and the ground. The impact caused significant damage to the airframe and triggered a post-impact fire. The accident resulted in three fatalities, involving the pilot and both passengers.
Findings
Witness accounts suggest that the arrival of a weather front brought significant wind shifts to the airfield. The primary factor in the loss of control was the strong northwest winds causing a nose-down pitch during the initial climb phase.