Incident Overview
An airline transport certificated pilot was conducting a takeoff to the north from a gravel area adjacent to a remote creek. The takeoff area was oriented north/south, approximately 800 feet long and 100 feet wide. The pilot reported that the wind was variable at about 7 knots.
Sequence of Events
Approximately 25 feet after liftoff, the right main landing gear tire struck an embankment about 2 feet high. The airplane subsequently settled onto the gravel bar and came to a stop. According to the pilot, an observer on the ground reported that the wind appeared to shift to a tailwind during the takeoff run.
Post-Accident Recovery
The airplane was retrieved from the scene by helicopter. The helicopter pilot reported that upon arrival, he observed the right main landing gear strut and tire lying in a small creek, separated from the fuselage, between what appeared to be the takeoff point and the airplane's final resting position.