Incident Overview
A takeoff on Runway 14 at Chevak resulted in a right wing striking the ground after the airplane experienced weather vaning and drifted right. The captain elected to use 20 degrees of flaps for the takeoff, whereas the flight manual recommends only 10 degrees of flaps for crosswind takeoffs. The flight manual states that the demonstrated crosswind component for the airplane was 20 knots but notes that this is not a limiting factor.
Wind Conditions
Wind information from various sources differed. According to the first officer, station manager, and director of flight operations, the wind was blowing from 090 to 100 degrees at 35 to 40 knots. The captain reported the wind from 060 to 090 degrees at 22 to 25 knots, gusting to 35 knots.
Takeoff Sequence
The captain performed the takeoff. Upon lift-off, the airplane weather vaned and began to drift to the right. Simultaneously, the left wing rose into the air and the right wing dragged along the ground.
Related Operational Decisions
According to the director of flight operations, other company flights in the area had canceled their flights earlier due to high winds.