Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during a soft-field takeoff after encountering a wind gust.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was performing a soft-field takeoff from a grass runway when the airplane encountered a wind gust shortly after rotation. The pilot reported that the wind gust pushed up the airplane’s nose and moved the airplane sideways. The left wing impacted the terrain, then the right wing and forward fuselage. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and forward fuselage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.