NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that he was performing a takeoff on runway 25, a 2,560-foot-long, 30-foot-wide, turf runway. During the takeoff roll, about the time of rotation, a gust of wind forced the airplane left into a stack of tires that marked the runway boundary. The pilot completed the takeoff; however, the left main landing gear had sustained damage during the impact with the tires. The pilot subsequently returned and landed on the same runway. During the landing, the left side of the airplane settled onto the ground due to the damaged left main landing gear, which resulted in ground contact with the left wing and horizontal stabilizer. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any. The recorded wind at an airport located approximately 30 miles northeast of the accident site, about the time of the accident, was from 250 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with an object and a landing gear collapse during the subsequent landing.