Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
On the initial takeoff roll on runway 33, the pilot lifted the tail of the aircraft and was struck by a crosswind gust that caused the left wing to be lifted off the ground. The right wing struck the pavement. The pilot pulled back on the throttle, but the aircraft continued to depart the left side of the runway and came to rest in a nose down position. The winds at the time were from 290 degrees at 13 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 5, 1997 at 1115 hours Pacific daylight time, the right wing of a Cessna 185F, N17SR, contacted runway 33, the aircraft veered left and came to rest nose down at the Oakland, California, airport. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot/owner, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed for the personal flight, and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed to Modesto, California. The pilot reported that the tower had cleared him for takeoff on runway 33. He said he started the initial takeoff roll and lifted the tail of the aircraft, then a gust of wind caused the right wing tip to strike the pavement. At this point the plane veered left, and the pilot pulled back on the throttle. The aircraft departed the left side of the runway and came to rest in a nose down position. The winds at the time of the accident were from 290 degrees at 13 knots. An FAA inspector established on-scene that there were no mechanical anomalies noted with the aircraft or engine. -