Overview
The pilot had completed five application flights that morning before changing loading operations to a grass airstrip he had never used before. Groundcrew noted the strip appeared "very short" and suggested the pilot take off with a partial load for his first departure from the field; the pilot agreed.
Weather and Wind Conditions
A witness flying a few miles north of the accident site reported winds from the south at 35-40 mph, with higher gusts. The manufacturer's published maximum crosswind velocity for the airplane is 13 knots.
Takeoff and Sequence of Events
The takeoff roll initially appeared normal. However, a witness observed the left wing "rise up and then come down almost to the ground." Subsequently, the aircraft veered to the right and departed the north-sloping airstrip.
Aftermath
The aircraft came to rest in an inverted position. After the accident, a witness examined ground scars and reported that the brakes had been applied alternately (right, left, right, left, right, left) and then both were locked.
Pilot Background
The pilot purchased the aircraft on December 29, 1995, and had accumulated approximately 100 hours in make and model.