What happened
The pilot estimated that the wind was coming from the northeast at 15 knots with gusts reaching 25 knots. During an easterly takeoff from a private strip, the aircraft encountered a gust which lifted the left wing, causing the plane to drift right and lift off. The aircraft climbed to an altitude of about 30 feet above ground level but would not remain airborne. It settled into a marsh where the left gear collapsed and the aircraft nosed over.
The investigation
The pilot estimated that the wind was coming from the northeast at 15 knots with gusts reaching 25 knots. During an easterly takeoff from a private strip, the aircraft encountered a gust which lifted the left wing, causing the plane to drift right and lift off. The aircraft climbed to an altitude of about 30 feet above ground level but would not remain airborne. It settled into a marsh where the left gear collapsed and the aircraft nosed over.
Findings
The pilot estimated that the wind was coming from the northeast at 15 knots with gusts reaching 25 knots. During an easterly takeoff from a private strip, the aircraft encountered a gust which lifted the left wing, causing the plane to drift right and lift off. The aircraft climbed to an altitude of about 30 feet above ground level but would not remain airborne. It settled into a marsh where the left gear collapsed and the aircraft nosed over.