Amateur-built Zenith 250 N250ZP accident near Taos, New Mexico

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper decision to take off in gusting wind conditions and the airplane’s loss of climb performance following an encounter with turbulence and downdrafts.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he waited to depart until after a storm cloud passed the airfield from the northwest. Just before takeoff, the pilot obtained the automated weather observing system information, which reported wind from 120 degrees at 11 knots gusting to 22 knots. According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff from runway 04, the airplane stopped climbing and descended when it encountered "turbulent crosswinds and downdrafts." The pilot turned the airplane, but it still would not climb and continued to encounter downdrafts and turbulence as it approached rising terrain, obstacles, and the storm clouds. The pilot turned the airplane again, but it continued to descend and then impacted a landfill. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. Although the reported wind was within the capabilities of the airplane, given the high gusts and recent storm, the pilot should have waited for the wind to subside before taking off.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA273 for the full record.