PIPER PA-18-150

Full Narrative

The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that during takeoff from runway 07, as he was becoming airborne, he encountered a strong southeasterly gust of wind. The pilot stated that despite his efforts at maintaining control, the gust was so strong that the right wing lifted up, and the airplane rolled over. At the time, the engine was already developing full power, and his application of full flight control corrective actions was inadequate to counter the gust of wind during this critical phase of flight. The airplane, which became uncontrollable, came to rest upside down with broken wings and a crushed vertical stabilizer. The airport manager witnessed the mishap and corroborated the pilot's statements regarding the wind. The manager estimated the wind's speed was between 25 and 35 mph. The pilot indicated that he was familiar with the airplane's flight characteristics. He had given about 915 hours of flight instruction to students in this airplane, and had flown it 30 hours during the preceding 90 days.