Incident Overview
During a takeoff roll in quartering left crosswind conditions, a pilot reported that the left wingtip of the airplane dropped and contacted the runway surface. The pilot had observed two other aircraft, one of similar weight and size, depart ahead of him while he performed his run-up. The windsock at the time indicated variable wind conditions, ranging from directly down the runway to a 45-degree left crosswind at 15 to 20 knots.
Sequence of Events
As the pilot rotated the airplane for liftoff, the aircraft encountered a "strong side gust." This gust caused the airplane to yaw into the wind, resulting in one wing lifting and the opposite wing dropping to contact the runway. Following the wingtip strike, the pilot promptly aborted the takeoff and brought the airplane to a stop on the remaining runway.
Wind Data
The Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) recorded surface wind data 48 minutes after the incident. The recorded wind was a 70-degree left crosswind at 18 knots, with gusts reaching 31 knots.
Pilot Report
The pilot's report detailed the events leading up to the wingtip contact, including the presence of other departing aircraft and the variable wind conditions observed via the windsock. No further information regarding aircraft type, registration, or occupant status was provided in the source.