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February 16, 2021 · Cubcrafter CCK-1865 · N53KK

Quartzite, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 16, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Quartzite, AZ
Aircraft
Cubcrafter CCK-1865 (2013)
Tail Number
N53KK
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR21LA113

The pilot reported that he planned to depart from his 700-foot gravel private-airstrip for a short scenic-flight. After preforming a preflight inspection, the pilot reviewed the weather conditions. The wind direction was reported as variable with velocities under 10 knots. After an uneventful takeoff roll to the south, the airplane became airborne and immediately started to drift east. The airplane remained in ground effect and would not continue to climb, which the pilot thought was consistent with windshear in the area. Despite his efforts, the pilot was unable to avoid a collision with a Saguaro cactus. The airplane spun and descended to the ground, colliding with a ditch. Both wings and the fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The closest METAR weather reporting facility, located 15 nautical miles southwest of the accident site, recorded that around the time of the accident the wind was from 300° at 6 knots and gusting to 18 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff while operating in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with a cactus and the subsequent impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he planned to depart from his 700-foot gravel private-airstrip for a short scenic-flight. After preforming a preflight inspection, the pilot reviewed the weather conditions. The wind direction was reported as variable with velocities under 10 knots. After an uneventful takeoff roll to the south, the airplane became airborne and immediately started to drift east. The airplane remained in ground effect and would not continue to climb, which the pilot thought was consistent with windshear in the area. Despite his efforts, the pilot was unable to avoid a collision with a Saguaro cactus. The airplane spun and descended to the ground, colliding with a ditch. Both wings and the fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The closest METAR weather reporting facility, located 15 nautical miles southwest of the accident site, recorded that around the time of the accident the wind was from 300° at 6 knots and gusting to 18 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 MST
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCubcrafter CCK-1865
Tail NumberN53KK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsEngine Components Inc. · CC340 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 66 · Basc · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 6 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 32 C
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time10:30
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data