Cessna 170A N5459C accident near Metaline Falls, Washington

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to attain sufficient altitude during the initial climb to clear trees due to an encounter with windshear.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during takeoff initial climb, as the airplane passed over the departure end of the runway, it stopped climbing and started to sink. The pilot thought it was windshear and initiated a right turn to avoid trees, while lowering the nose to regain airspeed. The airplane subsequently descended into trees and terrain. The fuselage was substantially damaged. 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 WPR21LA307 for the full record.