What happened
The aircraft began its takeoff roll on a runway previously assigned as light wind. During the acceleration phase, air traffic control provided an updated wind report indicating winds were light at fourteen knots. The pilot initially interpreted this information as a headwind component of fourteen knots. However, upon applying full power and commencing the rotation sequence, it became apparent that the actual wind condition was a crosswind rather than the anticipated headwind.
In response to the sudden lateral force, the pilot reduced engine power in an attempt to maintain directional control. The aircraft subsequently groundlooped, causing the tail section to swing around violently. This uncontrolled yawing motion placed excessive stress on the landing gear assembly. As a result of the groundloop, the left main wheel broke off its axle.
The investigation
Post-acc examination confirmed that the primary mechanical failure was limited to the left main landing gear wheel. No other structural damage to the airframe or propulsion system was reported in the initial narrative. The pilot provided a statement regarding the sequence of events, specifically citing the misinterpretation of the wind data as the critical factor leading to the loss of control.
Findings
The accident was caused by crosswind misjudgment during the takeoff phase. The pilot incorrectly assumed a headwind component based on ambiguous tower communications. This error led to inadequate crosswind correction techniques being applied during the critical acceleration and rotation phases. The resulting groundloop exceeded the structural limits of the landing gear, causing the left wheel to fail.