Probable cause
The pilot's decision to take off from unsuitable terrain with a tailwind, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while en route, the engine had "slight roughness," so he decided to land in an open snow-covered field on top of a hill to troubleshoot the issue. The pilot further reported that he resolved the engine issue on the ground and decided to take off downhill with a tailwind. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that he "noticed [wind] gust on the tail," the main landing gear were "sucked down" in a 1-ft-deep snow drift, and the airplane nosed over.
The left wing, fuselage, and vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA110 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 10, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Milton-Freewater, Oregon
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Christen Industries Inc A 1
- N-number
- N9598Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1989
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.