Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during a soft-field takeoff after encountering a wind gust.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was performing a soft-field takeoff from a grass runway when the airplane encountered a wind gust shortly after rotation. The pilot reported that the wind gust pushed up the airplane’s nose and moved the airplane sideways. The left wing impacted the terrain, then the right wing and forward fuselage. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and forward fuselage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA260 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 23, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bolivar, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Bolivar Muni (M17)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
ESCAPADE
- N-number
- N907ML
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2009
- 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.