Incident Overview
A pilot conducting aerial application flights reported that after landing from the fourth spray load, he noticed increasing wind conditions at the private airstrip. During the takeoff roll for the fifth load, as the tailwheel began to lift off the ground, a gust of wind struck the airplane, causing it to veer to the right. The aircraft departed the runway environment and collided with a power pole, resulting in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.
Weather Conditions
The nearest weather reporting station, located approximately 13 miles west of the accident airstrip, reported wind from 070 degrees at 13 knots with gusts to 19 knots. The pilot had observed the wind picking up after his previous landing.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine prior to the accident. The aircraft's systems were functioning normally during the takeoff roll until the gust event.
Damage Assessment
The impact with the power pole caused substantial structural damage to multiple components, including the wings, fuselage, and empennage. Specific details of the damage extent were not provided beyond the description of substantial damage.