Accident Narrative
A private pilot, at the conclusion of a hunting trip, was departing from a remote ridge top. The wind was from the east at about 5 knots. The pilot loaded the airplane with moose and caribou meat and initiated a takeoff roll toward the east.
During the takeoff roll, an approximate 20-knot gust of wind struck the airplane from the right. The gust pushed the airplane to the left, and the left wing struck some bushes. The impact caused the airplane to pivot to the left and descend downhill.
After the airplane came to rest, a fire erupted and the aircraft was destroyed.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft was operated by the private pilot, who was the sole occupant at the time of the accident. The flight was a departure from a remote ridge top, where the pilot had been hunting. The airplane was loaded with meat from moose and caribou.
Wind Conditions
At the time of departure, the reported wind was from the east at approximately 5 knots. However, a sudden gust of about 20 knots from the right side of the aircraft occurred during the takeoff roll.
Post-Accident
The airplane came to rest at the bottom of a slope, where it caught fire and was destroyed.