Accident Overview
A commercial pilot and three passengers were departing from a 1200-foot long, gravel-covered off-airport site. According to the pilot, just after takeoff, as the airplane began to climb, a sudden wind shift forced the airplane to descend into a creek located at the departure end of the site. The creek was directly ahead of the takeoff path, and the airplane impacted it after losing altitude due to the wind shift.
Damage Sustained
The airplane sustained structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and horizontal stabilizer. The damage was a result of the impact with the creek.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The airplane was functioning normally during the takeoff and initial climb phase.
Departure Site
The off-airport site was 1200 feet in length and covered with gravel. The creek at the departure end was an obstacle that the airplane encountered after the wind shift.