Pilot Account
The pilot stated that the reported winds near his departure time were 140 degrees at 24 knots, and he elected to depart from runway 27. During climb out, shortly after rotation, the airplane weathervaned hard to the left and the stall warning horn sounded. The pilot felt a strong gust of wind as he attempted to clear rising terrain, and thought he encountered a strong down draft or rotor, followed by the airplane impacting terrain.
Weather Conditions
Wind recorded five minutes before the accident was from 130 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 29 knots. The pilot's decision to depart from runway 27 was based on the reported winds of 140 degrees at 24 knots.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.