On November 23, 2005, a Cessna P206 (registration N2564X) was involved in an aviation accident near New Braunfels, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper compensation for the existing wind conditions resulting in a loss of control. A contributing factor was the gusty crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot lost directional control during takeoff from Runway 31 after a gust of wind lifted the left wing, causing the right wing tip and propeller to strike the ground. The airplane exited the right side of the runway and came to rest upright on grass.
Accident Summary
During takeoff from Runway 31, a private pilot operating a single-engine, tricycle-gear airplane experienced a loss of directional control. The pilot reported that a gust of wind raised the left wing, causing the right wing tip to impact the runway. The nose of the airplane then lowered, and the propeller struck the ground. The airplane departed the right side of the 5,352-foot-long by 100-foot-wide runway and came to rest in an upright position on the grassy area between the runway and taxiway.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with approximately 700 total flight hours, of which 130 hours were in the same make and model as the accident airplane.
Weather Conditions
Thirty-six minutes after the accident, the automated weather station on the airfield reported winds from 270 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 22 knots.