ERA11CA455

Factual narrative

The pilot stated that he positioned the airplane on runway 24 and increased engine power to begin the takeoff roll. The pilot then aborted the takeoff when he noted that the winds were becoming stronger. He stated that the wind lifted the airplane sideways and off the left side of the runway, where it impacted a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the empennage and wing spar. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane. Recorded winds at the airport about the time of the accident were from 350 degrees at 18 knots with gusts to 30 knots, with thunderstorms in the vicinity. The pilot stated that he positioned the airplane on runway 24 and increased engine power to begin the takeoff roll but subsequently aborted the takeoff when he noted that the wind was becoming stronger. He stated that the wind lifted the airplane sideways and off the left side of the runway, where the airplane impacted a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the empennage and wing spar. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane. About the time of the accident, the recorded wind at the airport was from 350 degrees at 18 knots gusting to 30 knots with thunderstorms in the vicinity. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Lack of action-Pilot - C
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-(general)-Response/compensation