Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control and to attain adequate altitude during takeoff with a quartering tailwind in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in impact with a sandy berm left of the runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during takeoff with a quartering tailwind of 10 knots, gusting to 20 knots, and as soon as the wheels lifted off, the airplane's tail was pushed to the left. He straightened the tail and maintained wings-level flight; however, the airplane continued drifting left. The pilot reported that, due to the tailwind and high altitude, the airplane was getting very little lift. The airplane subsequently impacted a sandy berm off the left side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The sport pilot reported that during takeoff with a quartering tailwind of 10 knots, gusting up to 20 knots, as soon as the wheels left the pavement, the tail was pushed to the left. He straightened the tail and maintained wings level; however, the airplane was drifting to the left. The pilot reported that due to the tailwind and high altitude, he was getting very little lift. The airplane subsequently contacted sandy terrain on the left side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.