What happened
The accident occurred while a private certificated pilot was attempting to take off from an unimproved, off-airport site. The operation was conducted under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 rules. The aircraft involved was a tailwheel-equipped airplane.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported encountering gusty crosswind conditions. A sudden gust caught the left wing, pushing the aircraft toward the ground. Simultaneously, the right landing gear wheel became entangled in the brush along the side of the takeoff path. This contact pulled the airplane further downward.
The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground with significant force. It rolled onto its left side upon impact. Following the collision, a postcrash fire broke out. The fire completely destroyed the airplane.