Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff with a crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, the windsock indicated a left crosswind for runway 17. As the airplane lifted off, it experienced a “sudden and extreme right drift”. The pilot attempted corrective action however the drift was uncontrollable, so he turned to the right to avoid a collision with other parked aircraft. The pilot continued the takeoff, however the airplane settled and subsequently collided with terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and longerons. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.