Accident Summary
A commercial pilot with 640 total flight hours, of which 10 were accumulated in the same tailwheel-equipped turboprop airplane, attempted to depart from a 2,400-foot-long by 24-foot-wide airstrip. The prevailing wind at the time was from 010 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 17 knots, creating a gusting crosswind condition. The pilot initiated takeoff from runway 03 but was unable to compensate for the existing wind conditions and subsequently lost control of the airplane.
Loss of Control Sequence
After becoming airborne, the pilot applied left rudder and aileron inputs in an attempt to counteract the wind. Despite these inputs, the airplane continued to roll to the right. The roll progression continued until the right wing tip made contact with the ground. The airplane then cartwheeled and eventually came to rest in an upright position.
Post-Accident Examination
The pilot was able to exit the airplane unassisted. An examination of the aircraft revealed that the left wing sustained structural damage. No pre-impact anomalies were found with the brakes, steering system, or the airplane's flight controls, indicating that these systems were functioning normally prior to the accident.