# NTSB DEN06CA031: Culver Cadet LCA, N37814, Alamogordo, NM, January 2, 2006

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: January 2, 2006, 10:15 local (17:15 UTC)
- Place: Alamogordo, NM
- Coordinates: 32.641666, -105.708335
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.6417&lon=-105.7083&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 25, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA Flight Standards District Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 63069
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN06CA031
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/63069/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN06CA031

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the departure climb. Contributing factors included the gusty winds and the downdraft.

## Analysis

The pilot reported that after takeoff from runway 31, the airplane climbed to approximately 75 feet above ground level and encountered a downdraft. The airplane impacted the runway causing substantial damage. An examination of the airplane's systems revealed no anomalies. Prior to departure, the pilot estimated the wind as 280 degrees at 15 knots. After the accident, a hand held wind meter recorded the winds at 8 knots, gusting to 18 knots.

## Factual narrative

The pilot reported that after takeoff from runway 31, the airplane climbed to approximately 75 feet above ground level and encountered a downdraft. The airplane impacted the runway, separating the main landing gear. The right wing spar was bent  and crushed aft, and the fuselage bulkhead at the left wing attach point was crushed. An examination of the airplane's systems revealed no anomalies. Prior to departure, the pilot estimated the wind as 280 degrees at 15 knots. After the accident, a hand held wind meter recorded the winds at 8 knots, gusting to 18 knots.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N37814](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N37814), registered now, S/N 323, built 1941 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Culver Cadet LCA
- Registry model: [Culver LFA](https://openairdocs.org/model/culver-lfa) (registry code 8730204) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 4AC199D&E series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-4ac199d-e-series) (registry code 27009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 323
- Airframe hours: 895
- Engines: Franklin 4AC-199-E3 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Last inspection: Annual, December 1, 2005
- Departed: 52NM, Timberon Airf., NM
- Airport: 52NM, Timberon Airport, runway 31, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; injuries: none; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review September 1, 2005; seat: left; flight hours: 11,000 total, 67 in this make and model, 9,000 as pilot in command, 138 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 10 °F
- Altimeter: 30.18 inHg
- Observed at: ALM, 20 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 20060102000059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060102000059A), Jan 2, 2006: Supac LCA, Alamogordo, NM, Substantial damage. (-23) On January 2, 2006, at 1015 MST, a culver Lca, N37814, registered to the pilot [privacy data omitted], collided with terrain on takeoff at Timberon…

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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