What happened
The incident occurred during an attempted takeoff from a relatively short grass runway measuring approximately 2,500 feet in length. The aircraft was heavily loaded for the operation, carrying the pilot and three passengers along with baggage. Fuel quantities were recorded at roughly 40 gallons.
Environmental conditions were challenging, characterized by high temperatures and significant wind shear. The air temperature was reported to be around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. More critically, the aircraft faced a 90-degree crosswind component of approximately 18 knots, with gusts reaching up to 25 knots.
As the pilot accelerated down the grass strip for takeoff, the combination of the short field length and the severe wind conditions proved difficult to manage. Shortly after breaking ground, the aircraft lost lateral control. Unable to maintain directional stability in the gusty crosswind, the aircraft collided with the terrain immediately adjacent to the runway end.
The investigation
Investigation of the event focused on the operational parameters at the time of the accident. Key factors identified included the performance limitations of the 2,500-foot grass strip under high-density altitude conditions and the extreme crosswind component exceeding typical training envelopes for such operations.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was the pilot's inability to maintain control during a critical phase of flight under adverse weather. The strong, gusty crosswind created significant handling difficulties on a short, unpaved surface. The high temperature further degraded aircraft performance, reducing lift and engine power available for climb-out.
Safety message
Pilots operating in high-density altitude conditions with strong crosswinds must carefully evaluate runway length requirements. Grass strips offer less predictable friction coefficients than paved runways, especially when wet or soft. Adequate margin for error is essential when wind gusts exceed the aircraft's demonstrated crosswind capability.