Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control when the airplane unexpectedly encountered a downdraft shortly after takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during takeoff and at about 150 feet above ground level, the airplane experienced a downdraft and the airplane started to descend. He added that there were no problems with the engine and he had full power, but that the airplane could not climb. The airplane then descended and impacted terrain and skidded along the ground before coming to rest in an inverted position. Additionally, he stated that the wind was from the south, at about 5 mph at the time of the accident. The pilot reported no preaccident anomalies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA249 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 11, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Big Lake, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Reagan County Airport (E41)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Quicksilver Aircraft GT-500
- N-number
- N5502D
- 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.