Incident Overview
During a takeoff attempt, an airplane encountered directional control difficulties due to wind conditions. The wind was reported as a left quartering tailwind at 12 knots, gusting to 21 knots. As the airplane neared liftoff, it began turning into the wind.
Pilot Actions
The pilot applied full right rudder to maintain directional control, but reported that the rudder alone was insufficient. To assist in regaining directional control, the pilot touched the right brake. At that moment, the right main wheel separated from the airplane.
Outcome
Following the wheel separation, the airplane veered off the runway and came to rest on its nose and left wing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and horizontal stabilizer.
Investigation Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and the runway. The inspector observed skid marks consistent with the wind lifting the left wing and the airplane veering off the runway.