Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff roll upon encountering a wind gust.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, on takeoff roll, just after the tail came up, the airplane encountered a right quartering tailwind gust, which forced the airplane off the left side of the runway. The pilot subsequently corrected back to the right, and the airplane crossed the runway, a gully, and a taxiway. He then intentionally applied right brake and ground looped the airplane to avoid colliding with a hangar, which resulted in the collapse of both main landing gears. A postcrash fire erupted shortly thereafter, which consumed the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that on takeoff roll just after the tail came up he encountered a right quartering tail wind gust, which forced the airplane off of the left side of the runway. The pilot subsequently corrected back to the right but crossed the runway, a gully and a taxiway. He then intentionally applied right brake and ground looped the airplane to avoid colliding with a hangar, which resulted in the collapse of both main landing gear. A post crash fire erupted shortly thereafter, which consumed the airplane.