Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusting crosswinds during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that prior to departure in his tailwheel-equipped airplane, the windsock was indicating strong winds perpendicular to the runway with variable gusts. He stated that he waited until he saw a favorable (headwind) gust and then applied takeoff power. During the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered a strong gust of wind from the right, which lifted the right wing and the left wing struck the runway. The airplane pivoted to the left, veered off the runway surface, and impacted a dirt berm. The airplane sustained structural damage to the wings. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. The nearest weather reporting station is located 38 nautical miles south of the accident airport, and was reporting winds at the time of the accident at 3.3 miles per hour (mph) gusting to 14.3 mph.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA240 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 12, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hadley, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Round Mountain (A36)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built BearHawk
- N-number
- N232PF
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.