Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

According to the pilot, he encountered a gust of wind during the takeoff roll from runway 15 (4,700 feet by 60 feet, concrete). The airplane departed the runway to the right and impacted terrain. According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane, both the left and right wing spars were bent aft, the left main landing gear separated and the empennage was wrinkled. An examination of the airplane's systems revealed no anomalies. According to the routine aviation weather report (METAR) recorded at Jefferson County Airport, located 7 miles southwest of Erie, the winds were 070 degrees at 8 knots. The pilot estimated the winds to be 080 degrees at 8 knots, gusting to 12 knots. the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the crosswind.