Amateur-built STOL CH 750 N750JD accident near Sewanee, Tennessee

Probable cause

The airplane’s encounter with a downdraft during the initial climb, which resulted in an impact with trees.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was taking off from a 3,700-ft-long runway and described that during the initial climb at an altitude of around 40 feet, the airplane encountered a downdraft from wind gusting over trees next to the runway. He further reported that the engine was developing full power, but the airplane was unable to climb out of the downdraft. The airplane impacted trees at the departure end of the runway, and the fuselage and right wing were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA027 for the full record.