Accident Overview
A pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on a short dirt airstrip, the airplane encountered a gust of wind. The pilot attempted corrective control inputs, but the airplane departed the runway and struck a powered parachute that was parked on the adjacent taxi area. The pilot elected to continue the takeoff and flew for an additional hour to his destination airport.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that soon after the airplane began its takeoff roll, it swerved onto the taxiway, continuing its takeoff attempt almost to the end of the runway, where it struck the powered parachute. The powered parachute was destroyed during the accident sequence.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage, including a 12-inch-wide gash in the fuselage structure stretching from the baggage door to the aft of the tailcone.
Weather Conditions
Both witness reports and official weather observations indicated that strong quartering tailwind conditions existed on the departure runway at the time of the accident.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.