Amateur-built S20 N319WD accident near Springfield, Colorado

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while taking off from runway 17, the airplane immediately yawed right as soon as the tail came up. The pilot attempted to correct with opposite rudder; however, the airplane drifted to the left and exited the left side of the runway. During the runway excursion, the right landing gear struck a berm. The airplane’s right wing impacted the ground, and the airplane came to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported the winds were from 260° at 16 knots and gusting to 24 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA017 for the full record.