Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1C-200 N134DD accident near St. Johns, Arizona

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind gusts and failure to maintain proper runway alignment during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was departing to the southwest in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. He reported that shortly after liftoff the airplane encountered a gust of wind that "blew the aircraft sideways." Despite the pilot's control inputs, he was unable to recover and the airplane impacted the ground in a nose-low, right bank attitude. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that the winds at the time of the accident were from 200 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 37 knots. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane prior to the accident. He noted in his written statement that the accident could have been prevented if he had postponed the departure until wind conditions improved.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA153 for the full record.