Accident Details
A commercial pilot with 5,149 hours of flight time reported that his first flight of the day had been delayed due to thunderstorms moving through the area. During the takeoff roll on Runway 26, which measures 4,120 feet in length and 20 feet in width, the tailwheel became airborne as the airplane reached 50-60 mph. At that point, the pilot encountered a gusting crosswind from the right, requiring full right rudder and brake application. Despite these inputs, the pilot was unable to compensate for the wind conditions, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway.
Aircraft Response and Damage
After exiting the runway, the pilot retarded engine power and dumped the 150-pound load of agricultural mixture. Shortly thereafter, the right landing gear tire sank into the soft ground to the left of the runway, causing the airplane to nose over. The aircraft came to rest in an inverted position. During the accident sequence, both wings separated from the airframe.
Pilot and Weather Conditions
The pilot was able to egress from the single-engine airplane without sustaining any injuries. Weather reported at the airport included winds from 085 degrees at 2 to 5 knots, visibility of 10 statute miles, scattered clouds at 1,500 feet, an overcast ceiling at 5,200 feet, temperature 20°C, dew point 16°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.14 inches of mercury. The pilot noted that there were thunderstorms in the area at the time of the mishap.