Accident Summary
During a takeoff roll, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane after encountering wake turbulence from a landing regional jet. The airplane departed the runway centerline, resulting in the separation of the left main landing gear before coming to a stop on the runway.
Sequence of Events
The pilot received takeoff clearance and was advised of wind conditions from 360 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 19 knots. A wake turbulence caution was also provided for a regional jet that had just landed. Upon entering the runway, the pilot applied power to commence the takeoff roll. Immediately, the tail of the airplane moved to the right while the nose moved to the left. The pilot applied right rudder input to correct, but the airplane responded slowly. Reducing power caused the airplane to move back to the right. Before the airplane could realign with the runway centerline, directional control was lost. The airplane then veered to the right, and the left wing began to dip. The left main landing gear separated, and the airplane came to a complete stop on the runway centerline.
Pilot Statement
The pilot attributed the loss of control to wake turbulence from the landing regional jet. According to the pilot, the prevailing wind conditions transmitted the wake turbulence back down the runway, overriding the corrective directional control inputs.