Accident Overview
The airplane struck a tree while attempting to take off from a gravel road oriented north-south. The pilot intended to depart to the south.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll, as the airplane passed a building on the west side of the road, a sudden and powerful gust of wind—described by the pilot as a "hell of a gust of wind"—overpowered the aircraft. The pilot lost control, and the airplane subsequently collided with a tree located along the east side of the road.
Weather Conditions
The pilot reported that winds were from the west at approximately 30 knots, with higher gusts present at the time of the accident.
Aircraft Status
The pilot stated that there were no failures or malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident.