Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a runway approach light.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll with an 80° left crosswind of 18 knots, gusting to 24 knots, the airplane unexpectedly became airborne due to a wind gust. The airplane drifted off the right side of the runway, so the pilot aborted the takeoff and landed on dirt, closed the throttle, and applied braking. As the airplane continued forward, its right wing impacted a runway approach light, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll with a reported 80° left crosswind of 18 knots, with gusts to 24 knots, the airplane unexpectedly became airborne due to a wind gust. The pilot aborted the takeoff when the airplane drifted off the right side of the runway, and landed in the dirt, closed the throttle and applied braking. As the airplane continued forward its right wing collided with a runway approach light, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.