Wolfeboro, NH, USA
N78176
Globe Swift GC-1B
Runway 32 was 3,000 feet long, 100 feet wide, and consisted of up-sloping turf with an approximate 5-degree gradient. The pilot stated that he usually departed on runway 14, but the winds were gusty, and favoring runway 32. During the takeoff roll, the airplane became airborne with approximately one-third of the runway remaining, and accelerated in ground effect. However, windshear caused the airplane to sink. With less than 1,000 feet of runway remaining, and large trees at the end, the pilot elected not to abort the takeoff. He banked right to avoid the large trees, but the airplane stuck smaller trees and came to rest in a field. The reported wind near the accident site was from the northwest at 4 knots.
On August 14, 2004, about 1710 eastern daylight time, a Globe Swift GC-1B, N78176, was substantially damaged during a collision with trees, while departing from Mountain View Field (NH31), Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. The certificated airline transport pilot sustained minor injuries, and the passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that runway 32 was 3,000 feet long, 100 feet wide, and consisted of up-sloping turf. He usually departed on runway 14, but the winds were gusty, and favoring runway 32. During the takeoff roll, the pilot used an adjacent house as a "go/no-go" point. The airplane became airborne with approximately one-third of the runway remaining, and accelerated in ground effect. However, windshear caused the airplane to sink. With less than 1,000 feet of runway remaining, and large trees at the end, the pilot elected not to abort the takeoff. He banked right to avoid the large trees, but the airplane stuck smaller trees and came to rest in a field. The pilot did not report any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The reported wind, about 10 miles west of the accident site, at 1715, was from 320 degrees at 4 knots. The reported wind, about 20 miles southeast of the accident site, at 1715, was from 310 degrees at 4 knots. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector noted that the runway had an up-sloping gradient of approximately 5 degrees. In addition, the airplane was equipped with a 125-horsepower engine and a cruise propeller. There were no applicable performance charts for the 1946 aircraft.
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind condition. The windshear was a contributing factor.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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