Accident Details
A sport pilot reported that during takeoff, the airplane was subjected to a quartering tailwind of 10 knots, gusting up to 20 knots. As soon as the wheels left the pavement, the tail was pushed to the left. The pilot straightened the tail and maintained wings level; however, the airplane continued to drift to the left.
Contributing Factors
The pilot reported that due to the tailwind and high altitude, the airplane was generating very little lift. Subsequently, the airplane contacted sandy terrain on the left side of the runway.
Damage and Mechanical Condition
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.