GAA18CA236

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that during takeoff, the experimental amateur-built airplane encountered a right crosswind. The pilot applied right aileron and right rudder, but the airplane rolled to the left. The left wing struck the ground and the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The left wing struck a runway light and the airplane cartwheeled before coming to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the engine mounts. The METAR at the airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 290° at 9 knots and gusting to 22 knots. The wind direction was reported as variable between 230° and 320°. The pilot attempted to takeoff on runway 25. Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, in the Recommendation section the pilot reported that this accident could have been prevented by making the choice to cancel the flight due to high wind conditions. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that, during takeoff, the experimental, amateur-built airplane encountered a right crosswind. The pilot applied right aileron and right rudder, but the airplane rolled to the left. The left wing struck the ground, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The left wing struck a runway light, and the airplane cartwheeled before coming to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the engine mounts. The METAR at the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 290° at 9 knots, gusting to 22 knots. The wind direction was reported as variable between 230° and 320°. The pilot attempted to take off from runway 25. In the recommendation section of the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that this accident could have been prevented by choosing to cancel the flight due to high-wind conditions. The pilot reported that there were no 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.

• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Effect on operation - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Runway/taxi/approach light-Contributed to outcome