Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions from an off-airport site, which resulted in a collision with terrain and a nose over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was departing from a mountain ridgeline in gusting wind conditions. He said that he started the takeoff in what he estimated was a 5- to 10-knot headwind. At liftoff, a gust of wind raised the right wing, and the left wing struck the ground, which pivoted the airplane to the left. The airplane then continued over the ridgeline, traveled downhill, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. There were no reported preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was departing from a mountain ridgeline, in gusting wind conditions. He said he started the takeoff in what he estimated was a 5-10 knot headwind. At liftoff, a gust of wind raised the right wing and the left wing struck the ground, which pivoted the airplane to the left. The airplane then continued over the ridgeline, downhill, nosing over, and coming to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. There were no reported mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.