Probable cause
Aircraft control was not maintained during initial climb with gusting wind that resulted in a collision with power lines and the terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after a normal takeoff and initial climb to the height of tree tops, the airplane encountered a couple of wind gusts with wind shear. The pilot recovered airplane control when the airplane encountered another gust that dropped the airplane down into power lines and subsequently the terrain. The fuselage and wings were substantially damaged.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20CA160 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 28, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Vine Grove, Kentucky
- Nearest airport
- Vine Grove (70KY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7ECA
- N-number
- N9557S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1965
- 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.