Accident Summary
A tailwheel airplane sustained substantial damage after departing the runway during the takeoff ground roll. The pilot reported encountering a sudden gust of wind that turned the airplane to the left. Despite applying right rudder correction, the airplane left the runway and bounced several times before the right main landing gear collapsed, resulting in damage to the right wing and fuselage.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the takeoff was initiated under shifting wind conditions at the airport. During the ground roll, a gust of wind unexpectedly turned the tailwheeled airplane to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying right rudder. However, the airplane continued to depart the runway surface. It then bounced multiple times until the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the right wing and fuselage to be substantially damaged.
Investigation Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the wreckage and reported no pre-impact mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The inspector's examination did not identify any malfunction or failure that could have contributed to the loss of control.
Pilot Report
The pilot additionally reported that winds were shifting at the airport at the time of the accident. He noted that the wind tee, a device that indicates wind direction, was frozen in one position, which may have led him to inadvertently attempt a takeoff with a tailwind component. The pilot did not specify the exact wind direction or speed during the event.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, based on the pilot's account and the inspection findings, is the pilot's encounter with a gust of wind during the takeoff ground roll, which, combined with the pilot's corrective action, resulted in a loss of directional control and a subsequent runway excursion. The pilot's report of shifting winds and a potentially inaccurate wind indicator due to a frozen wind tee may have contributed to the situation.