What happened
During takeoff from runway 02, the Cessna 180C experienced a weathervaning effect to the left. This maneuver caused the right wing tip to contact the runway surface. The aircraft subsequently nosed over, resulting in the propeller striking the runway. The incident resulted in no fatalities, though the aircraft sustained damage including a bent right wing rear spar and aileron, as well as a buckled engine cowling.
At the time of the accident, the wind was reported from 320 degrees at 11 knots, which resulted in a computed crosswind component of 13 knots (with an 8-knot headwind component).
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft systems performed by the FAA revealed no mechanical anomalies. Investigators noted that while the Pilot's Operating Handbook for this specific model does not provide a maximum demonstrated crosswind component, the manual for the 1977 Cessna 180K model lists such a limit at 12 knots. The calculated crosswind component during the accident was 13 knots.