Accident Details
During takeoff from runway 21, the airplane veered off the runway. It became airborne, then impacted the ground, shearing off the left main landing gear.
Pilot Statements
The pilot stated that no weather briefing was obtained prior to the flight, and the windsock at the airport was missing. He estimated the winds crossing runway 21 were from 260 degrees to 270 degrees, gusting over 10 knots. According to the pilot, just as he was lifting off the ground, the airplane stalled and he lowered the nose. The wind blew the airplane off the side of the runway, and he applied rudder and aileron to correct back over the runway; however, the wind continued to push the airplane to the side toward an embankment. He retarded the throttle as the airplane settled to the ground.
Aircraft Performance
The density altitude was computed at 7,400 feet at the time of the accident. Review of the airplane's FAA approved flight manual disclosed that the maximum factory demonstrated crosswind performance capability is 11 knots for a takeoff configuration.