Dehavilland TIGER MOTH DH 82A N675LF accident near Council Bluffs, Iowa

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff with a direct gusting crosswind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll on runway 18, the airplane veered left. The pilot attempted to correct with opposite rudder and aileron; however, the airplane exited the left side of the runway. During the excursion, the airplane rolled over a berm, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the right upper wing, left lower wing, vertical stabilizer, and rudder.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

At the time of the accident, the pilot was departing from runway 18 with wind from 270° at 12 knots, gusting to 20kts.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA154 for the full record.