20110630013099A

Aircraft involved in the accident is a model Cessna A185F, N80293, with conventional landing gear. Aircraft was departing runway 33 at Page, AZ airport (kpga). Weather forecast was for winds from the west at 13, gusting to 18. Airport personnel stated winds appeared to be stronger than forecast with an estimate of 20 gusting to 30. Temperature was showing 85 degrees. Aircraft had 4 persons on board, including full of fuel and luggage. During takeoff roll pilot stated that he had full aileron and full rudder deflection in an attempt to maintain the aircraft. After discussion with pilot, damage to aircraft, skid marks and ground track indications, it appears the pilot failed to maintain directional control during crosswind takeoff, leading to failure of the right main wheel half and subsequent aircraft damage. Based on gathered information and photographs it appears that during the takeoff roll gusting winds from the left picked up the left wing causing the left main wheel to leave the runway surface. The pilot attempted to maintain control of the aircraft with full rudder and aileron, but once the tail wheel lifted off the runway surface, the right main gear acted as a pivot point, placing all the weight and side forces on the right main tire and landing gear. After failure and separation of the right main landing gear wheel half and tire, and subsequent rotation of the nose of the aircraft to the left, the pilot reduced power which continued the left turn of the aircraft. The aircraft departed the runway to the left into soft dirt causing the left main tire to sink into the dirt causing the left wing and horizontal stabilizer as well as the propeller blades to contact the ground. Once the wing contacted the ground the aircraft rotated to the left coming to rest facing to the west. After reviewing weather forecast and the maximum demonstrated cross wind limitations on the aircraft showing not to exceed 15 knots. We had no access to the aircraft records or weight and balance information.