Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, as the tail wheel was lifted off the runway, the airplane abruptly moved to the left. The pilot attempted to turn right, but the aircraft struck a cone marking the left edge of the runway. Despite reducing power, the airplane could not stop before hitting saplings.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that the abrupt turn was likely caused by an unexpected crosswind gust or a whirlwind that occurred at the same moment the tail was lifted. No other contributing factors were mentioned.
Examination Findings
A post-incident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies. The aircraft appeared to be in normal operating condition.
Weather Conditions
At 0955, the winds reported at Roscommon County Airport, located 5 miles from the accident site on a 065-degree heading, were calm. This suggests that local wind conditions may have been variable, though no direct observation at the accident site was available.
Summary
The incident involved a loss of directional control immediately after lifting the tail wheel during takeoff. The pilot attributed the event to a sudden wind gust, but no mechanical issues were found. The exact cause remains undetermined based on available information.