Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the takeoff with a gusty left quartering crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during takeoff, the airplane was about 5 ft above the ground when it encountered a gust of wind from the left, which pushed the airplane to the left and it impacted the ground. During the accident sequence, the left wing struck the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. At the time of the accident, the pilot was departing runway 33, and the wind was from 310° at 16 knots, gusting to 27 knots. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that precluded normal operation.