American AA-1 N5905L accident near Cumberland, Wisconsin

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during takeoff in crosswind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the accident occurred during a crosswind takeoff from a turf runway. He noted that the airplane encountered an intersecting asphalt runway with a height difference that tended to "launch" the airplane. The pilot stated that he was unable to maintain control because of the crosswind. He attempted to continue the takeoff, ultimately continuing beyond the end of the runway, across a road and impacting a field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The nose landing gear, right main landing gear and right flap were also damaged. The pilot reported a left 90-degree crosswind of about 10 knots at the time of the accident. He commented that additional flight instruction from an instructor familiar with the make and model airplane would have been helpful.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA279 for the full record.