What happened
The pilot reported that he initiated a takeoff roll under challenging weather conditions characterized by strong crosswinds. As the aircraft accelerated along the runway, it began to drift toward the right side of the paved surface. The pilot attempted to correct the trajectory and return the aircraft to the centerline but was unsuccessful.
Realizing the situation could not be recovered from within the remaining runway length, the pilot aborted the takeoff. However, the aircraft continued its forward momentum off the end of the runway and entered a nearby ditch. The impact caused the aircraft to come to rest on its nose.
The investigation
Investigation of the incident revealed that the weather conditions at the time were significant factors in the outcome. Approximately 40 miles northeast of Napa, California, wind data indicated a velocity of 18 knots from 210 degrees at 1548 Pacific Daylight Time.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was the strong crosswind which exceeded the pilot's ability to maintain directional control during the critical takeoff phase. The aircraft's departure from the runway surface and subsequent rest on its nose were direct results of this loss of control during the aborted takeoff roll.