Overview
An aircraft was destroyed when it crashed alongside a grass runway during takeoff. The accident occurred in windy conditions with a Santa Ana wind from the north at 20–30 knots.
Witness Observations
Witnesses observed the aircraft stagger into the air at slow airspeed from the grass runway. The wind was reported as a Santa Ana wind out of the north, ranging from 20 to 30 knots. The aircraft's climb appeared unstable and abnormally slow.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he attempted a soft field takeoff with 20 degrees of flaps. At an altitude of 30 to 40 feet above ground level, he felt that he encountered a windshear or downdraft. To avoid hangars located on the right side of the runway, he applied left rudder input.
Damage
The aircraft's left wing tip and nose struck the ground at the side of the runway, resulting in substantial damage. The aircraft came to rest alongside the runway.