Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff in crosswind conditions..
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that as he prepared for takeoff in the tailwheel equipped airplane, he did not observe any movement of grass or trees due to wind. During the takeoff roll, the right wing rose suddenly, which the pilot counteracted with aileron inputs. The airplane bounced, and the right wing rose a second time, which the pilot counteracted. Subsequently, the airplane banked steeply to the left, exited the runway, and impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, right aileron, and the elevator. Prior to taxiing to and departing runway 24, the pilot observed a windsock, which indicated the wind was from about 260° at 2 to 6 knots. The airport manager reported there was a 20 knot crosswind at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.