# NTSB CHI95LA338: Helio U-10D, N2706J, Wellsville, KS, September 30, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 30, 1995, 18:15 local (23:15 UTC)
- Place: Wellsville, KS
- Coordinates: 38.710845, -95.079437 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.7108&lon=-95.0794&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 30, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10045
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI95LA338
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10045/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA338

## Probable cause

The pilot's improper weather evaluation.  A factor was the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A TAKEOFF TO THE WEST WITH 900 FEET OF USABLE RUNWAY, WITH WINDS REPORTED AT 270 AT 15 KNOTS GUSTS TO 25 KNOTS.  THE AIRPLANE DID NOT LIFT OFF AND IMPACTED A ROW OF 15 FOOT TALL SPRUCE TREES AT THE END OF THE TURF RUNWAY. A WEATHER REPORTING STATION, OLATHE, JOHNSON COUNTY AIRPORT, STATED WINDS OF 15 KNOTS, WITH GUSTS TO 25 KNOTS OUT OF THE WEST, 30 MINUTES AFTER THE ACCIDENT. AN FAA INSPECTOR REPORTED STRONG, GUSTY, SHIFTING WINDS THROUGHOUT THE AREA ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT. THE PILOT SAID HE 'SUSPECTED WINDSHEAR.'

## Factual narrative

On September 30, 1995, at 1815 central daylight time, a Helio U- 10D, N2706J, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage on impact with trees and terrain, during initial takeoff climb from Pollock Airport, (900' x 200' dry/turf), Wellsville, Kansas.  The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries.  The local, personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions.  No flight plan was on file.

From the pilot's written statement, he said he was attempting a takeoff to the west in a 15 to 20 knot headwind condition.  The airplane did not liftoff and impacted the 15 foot spruce trees at the end of the runway.  The pilot stated, "...suspected wind shear... ."

An Federal Aviation Administration Inspector reported 15 to 25 knot shifting wind conditions reported all around the outlying area that day.

A reporting weather observation station located at Olathe, Johnson County Airport, located 12 miles southwest of the accident site, reported winds out of 270 degrees at 15 knots with gusts to 25 knots, 30 minutes after the accident.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2706J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2706J-2004-07-23), registration cancelled 2004-07-23, S/N 66-14361, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HELIO U-10D
- Registry model: [Helio USAF U-10D](https://openairdocs.org/model/helio-usaf-u-10d) (registry code 4301104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming GO-480 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-go-480-series) (registry code 41527, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 66-14361
- Airframe hours: 2893
- Engines: LYCOMING GO-480-G1D6 295 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Pollock, John E.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 14, 1995, 83 hours before
- Departed: 4KS1
- Airport: 4KS1, Pollock Airport, runway 27, 900 × 200 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,128 total, 130 in this make and model, 1,013 as pilot in command, 33 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 15 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: IXD, 12 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19950930030709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950930030709A), Sep 30, 1995: Helio U10D, Wellsville, KS, Substantial damage. Attempted takeoff in strong shifting winds. Failed to lift. Ran off end runway into trees.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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