NTSB Factual Report

On November 10, 2001, at 1030 central standard time, an Aero Commander 100, N3761X, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground after takeoff from a private airstrip near Hillman, Minnesota. The north-south oriented turf runway is about 2,200 feet long and 75 feet wide, and the takeoff was made to the south. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions and was not on a flight plan. The pilot and his two passengers received minor injuries. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

In a written statement, the pilot said that the wind was light and from the northwest. He said that he elected to takeoff downwind due to obstructions north of the airstrip. He said that the airplane became airborne and flew to an altitude of about 30 to 50 feet above ground level when the airplane, "...suddenly banked hard to right. Pilot tried to correct with full left yoke deflection and slightly nose down elevator. Right wing contacted [the] ground...."

A weather reporting station located about 26 miles and 200 degrees from the accident site recorded the wind as 9 knots from 340 degrees at 1053.

A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that could be associated with a pre-impact condition.

NTSB Probable Cause

The inadvertent stall by the pilot. Factors were the tailwind, and the improper decision of the pilot to takeoff with a tailwind.