Accident Details
The pilot reported that during the initial takeoff roll in a crosswind, he held left aileron control into the crosswind. As the airspeed approached 50 knots, he removed the aileron correction in order to rotate. Shortly thereafter, the left wing started to lift, and he applied some aileron and rudder correction. The airplane became airborne briefly, veered 30 degrees to the right of the runway, and settled back onto the ground.
The pilot attempted to realign the flight path with the runway. He also tried to clear a 6-foot-tall tree located beside the runway, but the airplane struck the top of the tree. Following the tree strike, the airplane descended, struck a ditch, and then nosed over.
Wind Conditions
At the time of the accident, the wind was reported as coming from 330 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots.
Aircraft Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane and found no evidence of any mechanical malfunction or failure.