Accident Details
The accident involved a single-engine airplane equipped with a short takeoff and landing (STOL) system. According to the pilot, before takeoff, he set the flaperons to 30° of deflection. The airplane departed and climbed at an indicated airspeed of 70 mph.
At an altitude of approximately 75 feet above ground level (AGL), the airplane encountered a gust of crosswind from the right. The right wing pitched upward in response. The pilot attempted to regain control by applying right aileron, followed by right rudder, and then lowering the airplane’s nose. Despite these inputs, the pilot could not arrest the resulting roll to the left.
The airplane subsequently collided with the ground adjacent to the runway. The impact caused substantial damage to the airframe.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The reported wind condition at the departure airport at the time of the accident was variable at 3 knots.