ERA12CA040

Factual narrative

The pilot/owner stated that prior to departing the grass strip oriented 140 degrees; the reported wind was from 250 degrees at 9 knots gusting to 18 knots. He also reported that the airplane's takeoff weight was 23 pounds below its maximum allowable gross weight. The airplane reached rotation speed at the midpoint of the runway, but at rotation the airplane would not climb, and the pilot noticed a loss of airspeed but no loss of engine power. The pilot aborted the takeoff, but the airplane overran the departure end and struck a ditch and an embankment. According to the pilot, there were no mechanical deficiencies with his airplane. The pilot/owner stated that, as he began to taxi the airplane, the wind shifted. During takeoff, the airplane reached rotation speed at the midpoint of the runway, but at rotation the airplane would not climb, and the pilot noticed a loss of airspeed but no loss of engine power. Suspecting a shift in wind direction, the pilot aborted the takeoff; however, the airplane overran the departure end of the runway and struck a ditch and an embankment, damaging the nose. According to the pilot, there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane prior to the accident. He also reported that the airplane's takeoff weight was 23 pounds below its maximum allowable gross weight. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• F Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Sudden wind shift-Awareness of condition - F
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - C
• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Aircraft capability-(general)-Not specified