Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff with strong gusty surface winds.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that after the airplane lifted off the ground, the wind blew the airplane harder than expected and he decided to set it back down on the runway, however, the airplane touched down half on and half off the runway. The pilot was unable to maintain control of the airplane due to the wind and it went down an embankment. The airplane nosed into the ground and sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot report that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was departing from runway 32 with winds from 290° at 27 gusting 37 knots.