Progressive Aerodyne SEAREY N80515 accident near Dequincy, Louisiana

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff after encountering a wind gust. Contributing to the accident was nearby convective activity.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll a wind gust lifted the upwind wing and the nose gear off the runway, after which the airplane became airborne and entered a left bank. The pilot was unable to regain control, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot stated that he observed a right-quartering surface wind of about 7 knots and a dissipating thunderstorm near the airport during the takeoff roll. A review of the weather information revealed active convective weather with precipitation echoes about 6 miles southeast of the accident site. Wind was reported as 070° at 6 knots. Based on the available weather information, it is likely that convective outflow associated with the nearby thunderstorm produced the wind gust encountered by the airplane during takeoff.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA315 for the full record.