Accident Ayres S-2R-T65 Turbo Thrush N3101K, Saturday 8 February 1997

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Date:	Saturday 8 February 1997
Time:	11:00 LT
Type:	Ayres S-2R-T65 Turbo Thrush
Owner/operator:	Tri Air Inc
Registration:	N3101K
MSN:	R1340-030
Total airframe hrs:	3263 hours
Engine model:	Garrett TPE-331-6
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Firebaugh, CA - United States of America
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Agricultural
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot encountered a crosswind during the takeoff ground roll on a narrow airstrip. The airplane's left wheel drifted off the surface of the airstrip onto the soft shoulder, and the pilot lost control. The airplane then nosed down into a ditch and nosed over.

Probable Cause: failure of the pilot to compensate for crosswind conditions and to maintain proper runway alignment. Factors relating to the accident were: the crosswind, narrow runway condition, and the soft terrain and ditch beside the runway.

Accident investigation: