Incident Overview
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the takeoff roll in gusty wind conditions, the aircraft encountered a strong wind gust. Shortly after becoming airborne, the right wing dropped, followed by the left wing, which then impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport revealed that, at the time of the accident, conditions were wind 260 degrees at 29 knots, with gusts to 40 knots. The airplane was departing on runway 22, which resulted in an approximately 18-knot right crosswind component.
Aircraft Capability
According to the airplane manufacturer, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component for takeoff and landing is 15 knots. The FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A, 2004) discusses operations in crosswind conditions, stating that takeoffs and landings in certain crosswind conditions are inadvisable or even dangerous. It emphasizes that pilots should determine the maximum crosswind component of each airplane they fly and avoid operations in wind conditions that exceed the capability of the airplane.