Airport and Weather Conditions
The airport was located in a valley surrounded by mountainous terrain. The pilot estimated the wind at takeoff as being down the runway at 25 knots, gusting to 35 knots.
Takeoff and Climb
The pilot stated that he took off with 20 degrees of flaps due to concerns about obstacle clearance. However, the airplane owner's manual specifies that obstacle clearance takeoffs are to be performed with flaps retracted. Witnesses reported that after becoming airborne, the airplane initiated a healthy rate of climb.
Wing Drop and Impact
As the airplane reached the level of the treetops surrounding the airport, the right wing dropped, according to both the pilot and witnesses. The pilot attempted to correct the wing drop with aileron input but stated that his corrective action was not fully effective. The airplane subsequently impacted the runway.