NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that she departed from runway 27 with the wind from 180 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 23 knots. During takeoff the airplane encountered a strong gust of wind when the airplane was about 5 to 10 feet above the runway. The airplane drifted left of centerline and bounced on the runway. The pilot steered the airplane back to the centerline and attempted to abort the takeoff by applying full brakes and pulling the throttle back to idle. The airplane went off the end of the 3,227 foot runway, and the pilot was unable to stop the airplane on the wet grass as it went down an embankment. The airplane crossed a road and went into a steep ditch. The airplane’s firewall sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that the airplane did not have a mechanical malfunction or failure.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff in a gusty crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion.