Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper compensation for wind conditions. A factor was the gusty crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During a takeoff from runway 17, with a crosswind of 270 degrees at 20 knots gusting to 30 knots, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane and it drifted left off the runway and nosed over to the inverted position. The pilot stated that the airplane momentarily left the ground two times prior to the airplane nosing over to the inverted position. As the airplane left the ground the second time the pilot thought he was going to stall so he pushed forward on the controls and the airplane impacted the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 10, 1993, at 1040 central daylight time (CDT) a Cessna 152, N5283P, was substantially damaged during takeoff. The student pilot was not injured during the visual flight rules flight. Weather conditions for the local flight was visual meteorological conditions. Flight Tech Incorporated of Lubbock, Texas, was the owner operator. During an interview conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector the pilot provided the following information. He attempted to takeoff from runway 17 with winds measured at 25 knots gusting to 32 knots from 270 degrees. He reported that during the takeoff roll he lost control of the airplane and it nosed over to the inverted position. -