ERA24LA378

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that he had received an automated weather briefing prior to taxiing that detailed that a quartering right headwind gusting up to 16 knots would prevail for the takeoff. As he turned onto the runway and began to apply full power for takeoff, there was a “strong crosswind from the right,” and the airplane turned into the wind. The pilot applied full left rudder input but could not keep the airplane aligned with the runway centerline. Shortly after, he reduced the engine power to idle and applied full brakes, but the wind continued to push the airplane to the right. He reported that the tailwheel was also skidding down the pavement surface even with the elevator “full back.” The airplane contacted a taxiway sign on the right edge of the runway, substantially damaging the right wing. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained
• — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Crosswind-Response/compensation