Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control during take off. Contributing to the accident was the crosswind component.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was on takeoff roll for runway 30 when he reported a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right side of the runway. The pilot's attempts to correct were unsuccessful. As the airplane left the runway it veered to the right and down a sloped embankment. The pilot was still attempting to regain directional control but the airplane became airborne and stalled, contacting the ground with the right wing and collapsing the right main landing gear. The airplane then cartwheeled on the right wing and came to rest upright. The pilot was able to exit the airplane normally and was not injured. Substantial damage was confirmed to the right wings and right main landing gear. Winds reported from the nearest weather observation facility 17 miles to the south were 180 degrees at 8 knots gusting to 15 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was on takeoff roll for runway 30 when he reported a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right side of the runway. The pilot's attempts to correct were unsuccessful. As the airplane left the runway it veered to the right and down a sloped embankment. The pilot was still attempting to regain directional control but the airplane became airborne and stalled, contacting the ground with the right wing and collapsing the right main landing gear. The airplane then cartwheeled on the right wing and came to rest upright. The pilot was able to exit the airplane normally and was not injured. Substantial damage was confirmed to the right wings and right main landing gear. Winds reported from the nearest weather observation facility 17 miles to the south were 180 degrees at 8 knots gusting to 15 knots.