What happened
A private certificated pilot was attempting to depart northbound from a ridgeline airstrip located near a hunting camp. The takeoff area consisted of tundra-covered ground, measuring approximately 900 feet in length and 1,000 feet in width. At the time of departure, a windsock at the camp indicated winds originating from the north at approximately 25 knots.
The pilot planned to depart slightly uphill toward the top of the ridge. Just after liftoff, the aircraft cleared the crest of the ridge, at which point the left wing was lifted by the wind. The pilot attempted to counter the resulting right roll using aileron and rudder inputs, but was unable to prevent the aircraft from colliding with the ground.
The investigation
The impact resulted in damage to the landing gear, belly pod, fuselage, and left wing.