Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane after encountering a gust of wind while taking off with a crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he applied right aileron to correct for a 9-knot crosswind during takeoff. The airplane encountered a gust of wind just after liftoff about 5 feet above the runway. The pilot stated that he "over-reacted" in applying right aileron and lowering the nose of the aircraft. The airplane drifted off the left side of the runway, where it descended into 30- to 36-inch-tall grass. The right wing tip contacted the ground followed by the rest of the airplane, causing substantial damage to the right wing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA415 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 7, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bison, South Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Bison Municipal Airport (6V5)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Skykits Corp SAVANNAH VGW
- N-number
- N391EU
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Ferry
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.