Accident Overview
On an unspecified date at 1303 CST, an aircraft crashed and burned during takeoff. The pilot sustained second-degree burns over 20 percent of his body and later expired on March 9, 1982. The impact and subsequent fire damaged two sailplanes, and a third sailplane received fire damage.
Pilot Report
Prior to the accident, the pilot had completed two touch-and-go landings in calm air without incident. During his third takeoff, he initiated a turn at an altitude of 75 feet above ground level. According to his statement, a sudden gust of wind caused his right wing to drop, and the aircraft crashed before he could regain control. He reported that there was no malfunction of the engine or aircraft prior to impact.
Witness Observation
A witness reported that the wind was calm before the accident, then suddenly became gusty from the north at 15 miles per hour.
Weather Information
Eight miles southeast at the Phillip Billard Airport, a wind shift occurred at 1344 CST from 040 degrees at 4 knots to 010 degrees at 13 knots.
Probable Cause
The pilot's loss of control after being caught by a sudden gust of wind during takeoff, as reported by the pilot.