N1964

On April 2, 2000, at 1800 central daylight time, a Wilson RAF 2000 GTX SE, N1964, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage on impact with a tree and terrain following a takeoff from runway 15 (1,500 feet X 50 feet, dry/grass) at a private field near Monroe City, Missouri. The local flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. No flight plan was on file. The personal flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated, "I misread direction of wind from hanger area. I taxied to north end of runway and took off south with a 90 [degree] crosswind. When I passed over hanger area at the south end of runway I hit some turbulence. I should have did a emergency landing in the field south of runway, but chose to continue. At the south end of field that has trees on three sides I didn't have enough altitude to cross a ravine with trees. I hit the top of a large oak tree and fell 50 - 60 ft into the ravine." The pilot listed his certificate and rating as private and single engine land.

At 1552, the Quincy Municipal, Baldwin Field Airport, Quincy, Illinois weather was: Wind 210 degrees at 7 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition scattered 3,900 feet scattered 20,000 feet; temperature 16 degrees C; dew point 7 degrees C; altimeter 29.82 inches of mercury.

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector performed an on scene examination of the wreckage. The examination revealed no anomalies.

The pilot's safety recommendation stated, "Take off the other direction."