N9989RBeech 35-33 · 1960

The pilot reported that during takeoff with a gusting crosswind, the airplane veered to the left. He attempted to correct with right rudder an elevator inputs, however, the airplane continued to veer left, and he aborted the takeoff. The airplane exited the left side of runway and impacted a ditch, which resulted in substantial damage to the engine mounts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was departing on runway 35 with wind from 250° at 12 to 15 knots, gusting to 18 to 20 knots.