Incident Overview
The pilot of an airplane attempted to depart from a private 1,600-foot grass airstrip, using runway 18. According to the pilot, the wind conditions were from 360 degrees at 10 knots with gusts to 15 knots, which he described as stronger than anticipated and constituting a strong tailwind for the departure direction.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll, the pilot decided to abort the attempt before the airplane became airborne, approximately at the midpoint of the runway. In an effort to avoid a fence located at the departure end of the runway, the pilot initiated a right turn while still on the ground.
Outcome
As a result of the maneuver, the airplane skidded to the left. The left main landing gear subsequently collapsed, and the airplane departed the right side of the runway. The aircraft came to rest upright in a grass field adjacent to the airstrip.