Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during takeoff initial climb from a remote airstrip, a gust of wind forced the airplane back into ground effect, and a subsequent gust forced it back onto the airstrip. The right main landing gear collapsed, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest nose down. The airplane, which was equipped with a tailwheel, sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
Weather Conditions
The pilot described the weather as "gusty winds with intermittent rain" and noted that the wind was a quartering headwind at the airstrip. The nearest automated weather observation station, located 41 nautical miles from the accident site, reported that about 30 minutes prior to the accident, the wind was from 170° true at 34 knots, gusting 45 knots. However, the pilot reported that the wind was variable, at 5 knots with gusts to 22 knots, and that the takeoff was to the north.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Comments
In hindsight, the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had waited for "calmer conditions."