Incident Overview
A pilot reported a left quartering headwind during takeoff after making a fuel stop on a cross-country flight. The pilot applied proper crosswind control inputs and, immediately after liftoff, aligned the airplane into the wind to maintain a ground track over the runway centerline.
Wind Gust and Loss of Control
According to the pilot, a wind gust from the left impacted the airplane, resulting in the left wing rising and the airplane banking to the right. Subsequently, the right wing, the empennage, and the right main landing gear touched down, causing the airplane to exit the runway to the right. The airplane continued down an embankment and impacted a chain link airport perimeter fence before coming to rest upright.
Damage Assessment
Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed structural damage to the left and right wings, the left landing gear assembly, the fuselage, and the empennage.
Weather Conditions
The on-field weather station recorded the wind at the time of departure as 50 degrees left of the runway heading at 15 knots, gusting to 22 knots.