Amateur-built JUST ACFT HIGHLANDER N970SV accident near Mancos, Colorado

Probable cause

The airplane’s reduced climb performance during takeoff in mountainous terrain, which resulted in the airplane’s inability to climb and impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he departed from a down sloping, grass airstrip in mountainous terrain. About 20 to 40 ft above the ground after takeoff, the airplane was unable to climb and descended to the ground, which resulted in the right wing impacting the ground. The airplane then veered right, nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot added that he operated the airplane from this strip in similar conditions without issue. He thought there might have been a downdraft or temperature inversion that reduced the airplane’s climb performance.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA251 for the full record.