Accident Summary
A pilot reported that during a takeoff on runway 25, a 2,560-foot-long, 30-foot-wide turf runway, a gust of wind occurred around the time of rotation. The gust forced the airplane left into a stack of tires that marked the runway boundary. Despite the impact, the pilot completed the takeoff. The left main landing gear sustained damage from the collision with the tires.
After the takeoff, the pilot returned and landed on the same runway. During the landing roll, the left side of the airplane settled onto the ground because of the damaged left main landing gear. This resulted in ground contact with the left wing and the horizontal stabilizer.
Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and found substantial damage to the left wing. The examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, and the pilot did not report any such issues.
Meteorological Information
The recorded wind at an airport located approximately 30 miles northeast of the accident site, near the time of the accident, was from 250 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots.