Incident Overview
A pilot landed an aircraft on a county road and taxied near an automotive service station. The pilot told the service station attendant that he was unsure if he had sufficient fuel to reach his destination. He purchased 5 gallons of automotive gasoline in a container, carried it to the aircraft, and poured it into the right wing tank.
Sequence of Events
With one passenger aboard, the pilot started the aircraft, taxied back up the road, turned around, and initiated takeoff. The road has a slight curve in the area. Witnesses expressed concern that the aircraft did not appear properly aligned with the road.
Immediately after the aircraft became airborne, the left wing tip struck the post of a construction sign. The aircraft then veered left, struck the top of a chain link fence, and nosed over inverted.
Pilot Statement
The pilot told a Sheriff's deputy that he hit the pole because he lost directional control due to a gust of wind.
Weather Estimate
The deputy estimated that winds were from the southwest at about 5 knots, with frequent, abrupt gusts to about 20 knots, and the temperature was in excess of 110 degrees Fahrenheit.