What happened
On May 30, a pilot was attempting a southerly departure from a 3,000-foot long gravel airstrip in a tailwheel airplane equipped with tundra tires. During the takeoff roll, a gust of wind caused the aircraft to veer toward the left. The pilot responded by applying full right rudder and full right aileron; however, the aircraft continued its leftward movement. This resulted in the left wing striking a stand of trees, causing the airplane to pivot approximately 90 degrees to the left.
The pilot was not injured. The impact caused substantial damage to the fuselage and the left wing.
Weather conditions at the time of the accident, according to the METAR from Port Alsworth at 1548, included winds from 209 degrees magnetic at 11 knots, visibility of 30 statute miles, broken clouds at 4,000 and 8,000 feet, a temperature of 50 degrees F, and an altimeter setting of 29.75 inHg.