Accident Overview
A pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during takeoff from runway 26, the airplane rolled to the right and impacted terrain despite the pilot's corrective inputs. The accident occurred after the pilot refueled and taxied to the runway, noting that the wind was "picking up and gusting" but within his personal and aircraft limits. He did not obtain a wind check before departure.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that as he applied power for takeoff, the right wing began to lift. He applied full left control input, but the airplane continued to roll right and collided with the ground. He reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have prevented normal operation.
Weather Conditions
The airport's automated weather observation station recorded the wind at 220° at 24 knots, gusting to 38 knots, around the time of the accident. The airplane was departing from runway 26. The steady-state crosswind component for the accident flight was 15 knots; with gusting winds, the crosswind component reached 24 knots. According to the manufacturer's Pilot's Operating Handbook for an unmodified airplane, the maximum demonstrated crosswind is 11.7 knots.
Aircraft Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. No injuries were reported in the source.
Probable Cause
Not stated in the source.