Cessna 170B N1838C accident near Hartwell, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to compensate for the gusty and variable wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with trees during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The airline transport pilot was attempting to take off from a grass runway in variable wind and light rain. During the takeoff, when the airplane was about 30 ft above the ground, the airplane rolled right toward trees on the side of the runway. The pilot was able to roll the airplane’s wings level; however, he was unable to avoid colliding with trees, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

A witness recorded video of the takeoff that captured both the airplane and a windsock. Review of the video revealed that the wind had shifted to a right crosswind during the airplane’s initial climb, immediately before the airplane rolled nearly 45 degrees, consistent with the pilot’s description of the airplane rolling to the right. The wind then shifted suddenly to a left quartering headwind as the airplane began to level; however, the airplane continued toward the trees off the right side of the runway.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA272 for the full record.