Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after takeoff resulting in an impact with a power line and the ground.
NTSB analysis
The pilot departed on a local flight from his private airstrip. The pilot stated that he felt a gust of wind from the west and was not able to maintain control of the airplane. He stated that he did not anticipate the wind directional change as the wind sock was "down" when he took off. The airplane’s left wing impacted a powerline and the airplane impacted terrain. A ground fire occurred.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA498 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 31, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Montezuma, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Garrard Airport (9IN6)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built S-6S
- N-number
- N91226
- 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.