Globe GC 1B N78193 accident near Hedgesville, West Virginia

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control when it encountered a wind gust during climbout.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot indicated that he purchased the airplane the day of the accident. Before departure, he conducted an airplane run-up and taxied to the runway for takeoff; the takeoff was uneventful, and engine indications were normal. However, the airplane encountered an uncommanded roll at an altitude of about 100 ft above ground level. He attempted to level the wings but was unsuccessful. The nose of the airplane pitched down, and the airplane collided with the ground. A witness who watched the run-up before takeoff stated that a runway windsock indicated a gusting crosswind (with a slight tailwind component); he then observed what seemed like a rapid aileron input during the takeoff, and the airplane stalled. Postaccident examination of the engine and flight controls revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Thus, it is likely that the pilot was unable to regain control of the airplane when the airplane encountered a wind gust.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16LA184 for the full record.