Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors include gusty crosswinds, and a fence near the point of takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was attempting a takeoff in gusty crosswinds. His takeoff roll was parallel to a fence on the edge of an open field from which he was departing. Because of the crosswind, the pilot had to hold the right wing down during the takeoff roll. His aircraft was hit by a strong gust just as he was lifting off, and he failed to roll wings-level in time to keep the aircraft from turning to the right and impacting the fence.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 5, 1994, approximately 0930 mountain daylight time (MDT), a Piper PA-18, N4509Y, impacted a fence during a takeoff from an open field near Culbertson, Montana. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The FAR Part 91 business flight, which was departing for Wolf Point Airport, Wolf Point, Montana, was operating in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. No flight plan had been filed, and there was no report of an ELT activation. According to the pilot, his takeoff roll, which was being attempted in gusty crosswinds, was parallel to a fence which ran along the edge of an open field from which he was departing. Because of the crosswind, the pilot was holding the right wing down during the takeoff roll. After being hit by a strong gust just as the aircraft lifted off, the pilot failed to roll wings-level soon enough to keep the aircraft from making a right turn into the fence. -