Event Description
According to statements from both the pilot and the ground loader, the aircraft was on the takeoff ground roll when a sudden 90-degree crosswind gust caused the pilot to momentarily lose directional control. The pilot recovered control and continued the takeoff. Immediately after liftoff, a second and stronger crosswind gust began pushing the aircraft to the right, toward a line of telephone poles parallel to the runway. The pilot stated that he attempted to dump the load of chemicals to clear the poles, but the mechanism momentarily jammed and the load did not totally jettison. The right wing of the aircraft collided with a telephone pole, shearing it off. The aircraft then crashed into an adjacent Santa Fe Railroad right of way.
Wind Conditions
The pilot estimated that the steady-state crosswind component was 10 knots, with gusts to 20 knots.
Aircraft Capability
Cessna Aircraft estimated that the maximum crosswind component capability of the aircraft was 13 knots.
Additional Information
The accident flight was the third load of the day.