Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain the runway heading while taking off with a gusting tailwind, which resulted in impact with a fence.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, the airplane drifted left of the runway heading. He attempted to correct, but the airplane continued to drift left, impacted a fence, and came to rest in a horse corral. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA20CA014 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 15, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Meadow Lake (FLY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA38
- N-number
- N9708T
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.