Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

During the takeoff roll after the tailwheel lifted off the runway, the airplane encountered a "strong left crosswind." The pilot attempted to correct with right rudder; however, the airplane departed the runway surface. Subsequently, the airplane contacted rough/uneven terrain, flipped over and came to rest inverted. The pilot and witnesses reported the winds at the time of calm with intermittent gusts. Examination of the airplane showed that the vertical stabilizer and rudder were bent. the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident were wind gusts and rough terrain.