Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while taking off in gusting crosswind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was departing and reported that there was a direct crosswind of 10 knots gusting to 20 knots. Just after rotation, about 10 to 15 ft. above ground level, a strong crosswind pushed the airplane “hard” off the centerline and down towards the runway. The pilot attempted to correct by applying full left aileron but was unable to establish a stable climb and elected to reduce power and land in the grass off the end of the runway. During the landing, the right wing impacted the ground followed by the nose and left wing. The impacts resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.