GEORGETOWN, CA, USA
N50870
Ryan ST3KR
The pilot said that on initial climb after takeoff the airplane remained in ground effect until reaching the end of the runway. Thereafter, the airplane stalled and spun after encountering a strong updraft. It impacted a steep, wooded hillside area. The pilot said there were no mechanical problems with the airplane.
On October 21, 2000, about 1545 hours Pacific daylight time, a Ryan ST3KR, N50870, was destroyed when it collided with trees 1 minute after departing from the airport at Georgetown, California. The private pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot sustained serious injuries and his passenger sustained fatal injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, destined for Jackson, California, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot stated that on initial climb from runway 34, he remained in ground effect until the end of the runway. The airplane encountered a strong updraft at the end of the runway, stalled, and spun into the trees. The airplane impacted the ground in a steep, wooded area, and was destroyed. The pilot also stated that there were no mechanical irregularities.
The airplane's encounter with a strong updraft at the end of the runway that induced an increase in the wing's angle of attack to the critical point, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and spin.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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