Probable cause
The pilot's low altitude encounter with windshear during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, the tower controller cautioned for wind shear and then cleared the flight to depart. The pilot delayed momentarily to assess the wind conditions and then departed. The airplane climbed to 75 feet, and then began to lose altitude as if the airplane was "being pushed down." The pilot applied corrective measures but was unable to arrest the descent. The airplane impacted the runway resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. The automated special weather observation report, issued shortly after the time of the accident, reported winds variable from 100 degrees to 160 degrees at 7 knots with light rain.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA465 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 23, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Colorado Springs Municipal (KCOS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA32R
- N-number
- N301RT
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.