NTSB Factual Report

The pilot stated he ended a flying lesson with a student early because the wind was picking up and it was too turbulent. He was then going to fly his airplane back to his home airport, but waited 5 to 10 minutes until the wind calmed down to 10 to 12 knots. He stated that the approach end of the runway was somewhat sheltered by buildings and hangars. During the takeoff roll, a “strong” gust of wind resulted in the airplane becoming airborne prematurely with the right wing raised 45 to 50 degrees. The pilot was able to level the wings prior to the airplane settling back to the runway. The airplane traveled about 100 feet off the side of the runway where it nosed over after contacting a drainage ditch resulting in substantial damage to the left wing, vertical stabilizer and rudder, and fuselage. The takeoff was being made on runway 19. The local wind reported 13 minutes prior to the accident was from 230 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 20 knots. The wind reported 7 minutes after the accident was from 280 degrees at 23 knots gusting to 28 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while taking off in gusty crosswind conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to takeoff instead of waiting to ensure that the wind velocity had decreased.