Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. A factor was gusty wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During takeoff from a private airstrip the pilot allowed the aircraft's left wing to drag on the ground. Gusty wind conditions existed at the time of the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 26, 1994, approximately 1800 hours Pacific daylight time (pdt), a Piper PA-18-150, N3992P, registered to and being flown by James L. Campbell, a certificated private pilot, was substantially damaged when the left wing drug during takeoff at a private dirt airstrip near Post, Oregon (refer to photograph 01). Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot was uninjured. The flight, which was personal in nature, was to have been operated in accordance with 14CFR91. The pilot reported that he was attempting to take off from a private airstrip on a ridge in "windy conditions" when a gust of wind pushed the left wing down. The wing contacted the ground and the aircraft then crashed. He reported that a thunderstorm was approaching and that the winds were gusting 20-25 knots at the time. -