Amateur-built S-6ES COYOTE II N43822 accident near Williston, South Carolina

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the initial climb in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was departing from a 2,395-ft-long by 50-ft-wide turf runway. The pilot reported that after the airplane lifted off the ground, a wind gust lifted the right wing and the airplane turned to the left. The airplane subsequently impacted trees off the left of the runway and came to rest suspended in the trees. The right wing and empennage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA022 for the full record.