ERA20CA294

Factual narrative

Prior to departing on the local flight, the pilot noted that the wind was calm and favoring one runway. He then back-taxied the airplane along the 2,205-ft-long runway for the departure. After initiating the takeoff roll, and nearing the mid-field point, the pilot noted that the windsock there had changed direction and that a tailwind was now present. The pilot then realized the airplane had not gained enough airspeed and aborted the takeoff. As the airplane approached the end of the runway, the pilot turned the airplane right to avoid a road, and it continued off the runway and eventually struck trees. The airplane’s right wing was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Tailwind-Effect on operation
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Tree(s)-Contributed to outcome