What happened
The pilot reported that during the takeoff ground roll, the aircraft was operating in crosswind conditions with high gusting winds. Just as the tail wheel lifted off the ground, a gust of wind raised the airplane, causing it to drift off the runway surface. The aircraft touched down again and began to bounce through brush along the side of the runway. Recognizing the situation, the pilot aborted the takeoff. However, before the aircraft could come to a controlled stop, it collided with an embankment.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the takeoff phase. Investigators examined the wreckage for signs of mechanical failure or pre-impact issues that might have contributed to the loss of control. The physical evidence supported the pilot's account of the aircraft drifting off the runway and bouncing through vegetation before impacting the embankment.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to this accident were the environmental conditions and the phase of flight. The operation involved a tailwheel aircraft during the takeoff phase. The presence of crosswind and high gusting winds created challenging handling characteristics. Specifically, the gust caused an unintended altitude gain immediately after rotation, leading to lateral displacement from the runway centerline. The subsequent bounce through brush indicates a loss of directional control and ground clearance issues typical of tailwheel operations in such conditions.
Safety message
Pilots operating tailwheel aircraft in crosswind conditions must be vigilant for sudden gusts that can cause rapid drift immediately after liftoff. Aborting the takeoff at low speeds or altitudes requires precise control inputs to maintain runway alignment and avoid obstacles like embankments or vegetation.