Incident Overview
The solo airline transport pilot was attempting a takeoff in gusty wind conditions with a 90-degree left crosswind. The pilot estimated the wind velocity at 18 knots, gusting to 23 knots.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll, a gust of wind lifted the left wing, causing the aircraft to veer to the right. The aircraft departed the runway, continued down an embankment, and nosed over. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the crosswind was from 90 degrees left of the takeoff direction, and that the wind was gusty. He attributed the loss of directional control to the gust that lifted the left wing.