Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to compensate for the strong, gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot taxied the airplane onto the runway most aligned with the wind and began the takeoff roll. Just as the airplane became airborne, a gust of wind lifted the right wing, and the left wing tip contacted the ground despite the pilot's application of full right aileron. The airplane came to rest, nose-down, facing opposite the direction of intended travel and sustained substantial damage to both wings and the left lift strut. The pilot estimated that the wind was 38 knots and gusting to 42 knots at the time of takeoff. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot aligned the airplane into the wind and proceeded with the takeoff roll. As the airplane got airborne a gust of wind lifted the right wing and the left wing tip contacted the ground despite the pilot's application of full right aileron. The airplane was pulled to the left by the ground contact and came to rest on its nose facing the opposite direction of intended travel. During the accident sequence the airplane sustained substantial damage to the outboard sections of both wings and the left lift strut. The pilot estimated that the wind was 38 knots gusting to 42 knots. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.