Amateur-built CHRISTEN EAGLE II N887AS accident near Blythe, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, there was about a 10 knot crosswind from the east while departing the airport to the south. Shortly after takeoff, the airplane drifted toward trees on the west side of the runway due to a left quartering tailwind. In addition, the airplane's climb performance decreased due to the tailwind. The pilot banked the airplane into the wind, the left wing "dropped," and the airplane stalled. The pilot made a forced landing and slid to a stop colliding with a tree and building structure. The airplane sustained substantial damage to left and right wing. The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation prior to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13CA417 for the full record.