Accident Overview
The pilot of an airplane reported an accident that occurred during a mountain flying familiarization flight. The departure airport had a field elevation of 3,900 feet mean sea level. The takeoff was conducted on runway 32, which was 2,000 feet long and 40 feet wide.
Wind Conditions
The reported wind at the time of takeoff was from 020 degrees at 10 to 15 knots, creating a crosswind condition for runway 32.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, after liftoff while the airplane was still in ground effect, he failed to maintain a flight track over the runway's centerline. The airplane drifted left, and its left wing tip impacted bushes adjacent to the runway. The airplane subsequently came to rest with a bent fuselage and ripped wing skins.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot indicated that the accident would have been prevented had he adequately compensated for the crosswind condition.