Amateur-built VANS RV-7 N771RG accident near Englewood, Colorado

Probable cause

An encounter with windshear during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to takeoff with a tailwind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during the initial climb following a takeoff from takeoff from runway 10, the airplane encountered a wind shift that forced the airplane back to the ground and it departed the side of the runway. During the runway excursion, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Before the pilot’s departure another airplane reported windshear, a 15-20 knot gain on final for runway 35R. Low-level windshear advisories were in effect at the time of departure, and when cleared for takeoff, the controller reported the wind from 340° at 9 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA032 for the full record.