Accident Overview
A tailwheel-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage to its wings and fuselage during a takeoff accident at a mountain airport situated in a valley. The pilot reported that wind was calm at the start of the takeoff roll, but a wind gust from the left pushed the airplane to the right, into trees along the right side of the runway.
Witness Statement
An FAA inspector who visited the accident site noted that another airplane was parked on the right side of the runway, approximately 218 feet from where the accident airplane began its takeoff. The owner of the parked airplane was standing nearby and witnessed the event. According to the witness, the pilot of the accident airplane lost directional control immediately after applying takeoff power and did not correct the airplane's course as it veered to the right. The witness stated that the accident airplane was tracking off the centerline from the start and was aimed directly at him and his parked airplane. He reported diving into a ditch to avoid being hit and that the accident airplane never exceeded 10 feet in altitude.
FAA Inspector Observations
The FAA inspector reported that, in his opinion, the accident airplane was forced into the air and was not ready to fly. The wheels of the accident airplane rolled across the top of the right wing of the parked airplane, leaving tire tracks. Subsequently, the accident airplane collided with a utility pole guy wire and impacted terrain.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.