Socata TB-9C, N505PC: Accident occurred February 13, 2016 in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas

http://registry.faa.gov/N505PC 

FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Little Rock FSDO-11

NTSB Identification: GAA16CA125
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, February 12, 2016 in Fort Smith, AR
Probable Cause Approval Date: 05/03/2016
Aircraft: SOCATA TAMPICO TB 9, registration: N505PC
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The pilot reported that during takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions, the wind changed from a left crosswind to a left quartering tail wind. The tail of the airplane was pushed to the right; the nose turned to the left. He further reported that the left wing lifted, which caused the airplane to wheelbarrow off the runway to the left/right and impact an airport sign. Following the impact, the right fuel tank ruptured, the wing caught fire, and the airplane came to a stop. The right wing sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in crosswind conditions, which resulted in runway excursion, impact with terrain and an airport sign, and a postimpact fire.