Weather Briefings
The pilot obtained two weather briefings for the cross-country flight, with the second briefing approximately four hours before departure. The briefings included a convective sigmet and a severe thunderstorm watch. Lines of thunderstorms with tops reaching 45,000 feet, associated with a cold front, were moving into the area. At the time of the second briefing, winds were from the south at 8 to 12 knots.
Departure and Gust
The airplane departed runway 17. According to the pilot, during the takeoff ground roll, at approximately the same time the tailwheel lifted from the runway, the windsock extended from 'limp to standing straight out due to a very strong gust.' The main wheels had not yet lifted off the runway when the wind 'hit' and 'picked the airplane up like a helicopter or a kite.' The airplane crashed after lift-off.
Weather Observations
Peak surface wind shifts near the time of departure reached 70 degrees, with gusts to 33 knots. Witnesses reported that winds at the departure airport shifted from the south to the north, with gusts to 35 knots. Pilot reports included moderate to severe turbulence below 8,000 feet MSL.