Accident Details
A private certificated pilot was departing from a gravel surface runway on a personal flight with two passengers. The runway was 1,690 feet long and 45 feet wide. The airplane lifted off after traveling approximately three-quarters of the total available runway distance. It climbed to between 10 and 15 feet before beginning to drift to the right and descend.
The airplane then bounced on the main landing gear tires, with the aircraft heading about 30 degrees to the right of the runway centerline. The pilot aborted the takeoff. When the airplane touched down again, the right main landing gear collapsed.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported encountering a downdraft and that the airplane failed to maintain flying speed. He stated that rain showers were in the area, about 5 miles from the airport, and noted there may have been a wind shear near the tops of the trees adjoining the runway.
Weather Information
The closest weather reporting facility is located approximately 36 miles east of the accident site. At 1553, an aviation routine weather report (METAR) indicated the wind was variable at 5 knots.
No further details are provided in the source.