WPR10CA360

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane was at the departure airport to be painted. After the job was completed, he added fuel and taxied to runway 30. He applied full engine power and began the takeoff roll in line with his normal procedure. Immediately after the airplane lifted off the runway surface, the right wing dropped and the pilot applied a full control stick deflection in an effort to recover. As the wings regained a level attitude he eased the left control stick deflection and the right wing dropped again. The right wing contacted the runway surface and the airplane impacted the ground 20-degrees to the right of the runway centerline. The pilot opined that the airplane had encountered a strong wind, akin to a dust devil. He reported that there were no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. As a result of the accident, the airplane incurred damage to the engine mounts, flaps, and left side fuselage. A routine aviation weather report (METAR) for the departure airport, issued at the time of the accident, reported winds from 170 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 32 knots with squall conditions. The pilot reported that the airplane was at the departure airport to be painted. After the job was completed, he added fuel and taxied to runway 30. He applied full engine power and began the takeoff roll in line with his normal procedure. Immediately after the airplane lifted off the runway surface the right wing dropped and the pilot applied a full control stick deflection in an effort to recover. As the wings regained a level attitude he eased the left control stick deflection and the right wing dropped again. The right wing contacted the runway surface and the airplane impacted the ground 20 degrees to the right of the runway centerline. The pilot opined that the airplane had encountered a strong wind, akin to a dust devil. He reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. As a result of the accident, the airplane incurred damage to the engine mounts, flaps, and left side fuselage. A routine aviation weather report (METAR) for the departure airport, issued at the time of the accident, reported winds from 170 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 32 knots with squall conditions. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

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