Cessna T188C N4562J accident near Palouse, Washington

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the wind conditions at takeoff and failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain during the initial climb.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the engine ran fine during the run-up inspection and takeoff, and the airplane was within weight and balance limitations. The departure runway had an upslope, there was rising terrain in the departure corridor, and witnesses reported a light tailwind at the time of departure. Shortly after the airplane lifted from the runway, it began to settle. The pilot pitched the nose up to try and fly over the terrain at the end of the runway, but the airplane stalled into the terrain about 500 feet past the departure end. The airplane nosed over inverted and the airframe and wings sustained substantial damage.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA196 for the full record.