Accident Overview
An aircraft collided with trees shortly after takeoff. According to the pilot, the airplane reached approximately 500 feet above ground level when the airspeed dropped and the aircraft stalled into trees.
Environmental Factors
Following the accident, the density altitude was calculated to be 9,091 feet. This value was over 2,000 feet higher than the highest data point on the performance charts. According to the FAA, if performance charts are not usable for the conditions, the takeoff should not be attempted.
A local observer noted that the runway used by the pilot is seldom used due to its uphill gradient and the presence of higher terrain and trees at the departure end.