Door Opens During Takeoff in Gusty Crosswind

Incident Overview

A pilot reported an accident during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions. As the airplane accelerated, the right wing lifted and the pilot was surprised by the door popping open. Attempts to level the wings were unsuccessful, and the left wing tip contacted the grass beside the runway. The aircraft pivoted, and the right landing gear collapsed upon ground contact.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing and fuselage. The pilot noted no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the door opened unexpectedly during the takeoff roll, which contributed to the loss of control. No other contributing factors were identified.