Amateur-built J250 N828WD accident near Louisville, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to take off in wind conditions that exceeded his ability to maintain directional control, resulting in a runway excursion and substantial damage to the airplane.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll, the airplane started to drift left of the runway centerline. He responded with right rudder; however, the airplane continued to drift to the left. He continued to add right rudder until the pedals reached the hard stop. The airplane departed the runway surface and entered a rough, grassy area. The airplane’s nose landing gear collapsed, and the wreckage came to rest nose down, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane.

A postaccident examination of the flight controls, wheel brakes, and tires did not reveal evidence of a preexisting mechanical malfunction or failure. The pilot reported that there were thunderstorms in the area. There was no wind information available for the departure airport; however, several airports in the area reported gusting wind conditions. The closest recorded observation noted distant lightning to the west. Based on this information, it is likely that the pilot encountered wind conditions that exceeded his ability to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA268 for the full record.