What happened
The pilot-in-command reported that he was taxiing the aircraft while dealing with a strong crosswind. He stated that his taxi speed was normal for the conditions and that he kept the control stick in a neutral position. Suddenly, a gust of wind lifted the left wing of the airplane. In response to this lift, the pilot moved the control stick to the left and added power. The aircraft then departed the runway and went over an embankment located on the south side of the runway.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the departure from the paved surface. The primary finding was that a gust of wind caused an unexpected lift on the left wing during the taxi phase. This aerodynamic event prompted the pilot's control inputs, which ultimately led to the aircraft leaving the designated taxi or runway area.
Findings
The key factors identified in this incident include the presence of a strong crosswind and a gust that lifted the left wing. The pilot's reaction involved moving the control stick to the left and adding power, which contributed to the airplane departing the runway. The aircraft then proceeded over an embankment on the south side of the runway.