SEA03LA091

During the last part of the takeoff roll, the aircraft encountered a crosswind and was pushed toward the side of the runway. Although he attempted to realign the aircraft with the runway, the pilot was unable to do so, and the aircraft departed the side of the runway surface. After departing the runway, the aircraft collided with a nearby fence. The pilot stated that he had been flying nose gear aircraft for 34 years, and simply needed more tailwheel experience, of which he had only 20 hours, before attempting a takeoff in crosswind conditions. He further stated that he did not believe there was anything wrong with the aircraft's flight controls or tailwheel steering mechanism.

On May 31, 2003, approximately 0930 mountain daylight time, a tailwheel-equipped Cessna 150, N4424U, collided with a fence during the takeoff roll at a private airstrip near Dillon, Montana. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured, but the aircraft, which is owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The intended 14 CFR Part 91 personal pleasure flight was planned to terminate at Salmon, Idaho. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed. There was no report of an ELT activation.

According to the pilot, during the last part of the takeoff roll, the aircraft encountered a crosswind and was pushed toward the side of the runway. Although he attempted to realign the aircraft with the runway, the pilot was unable to do so, and the aircraft departed the side of the runway surface. After departing the runway, the aircraft collided with a nearby fence. The pilot stated that he had been flying nose gear aircraft for 34 years, and simply needed more tailwheel experience, of which he had only 20 hours, before attempting a takeoff in crosswind conditions. He further stated that he did not believe there was anything wrong with the aircraft's flight controls or tailwheel steering mechanism.