Incident Overview
A pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety inspector that during takeoff, he lifted off the ground prematurely. Shortly after becoming airborne, the airplane encountered a gust of wind, causing it to drift off the side of the runway and strike brush. The pilot estimated the wind speed at 4 to 8 knots at the time of the incident.
Witness Account
The pilot's wife, who was present during the event, stated that a gust of wind occurred shortly after takeoff. According to her account, her husband was subsequently unable to control the direction of the airplane.
Pilot's Assessment
When questioned by the FAA, the pilot attributed the occurrence entirely to his own technique. He explicitly stated that there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane and that the incident was solely the result of his actions during the takeoff.