Amateur-built Firestar SS N994TA accident near Lodi, Wisconsin

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during takeoff from a grass runway, a sudden wind gust from the rear caused the airplane to weathervane to the right and lose lift. The pilot was unable to correct for the gust before the airplane impacted the ground and nosed over. Both wings and the empennage were substantially damage during the nose over. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was taking off on runway 27 with wind from 150° at 6 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA209 for the full record.