What happened
The pilot initiated a short field takeoff using approximately 1700 feet of the available 2200-foot airstrip. After becoming unable to clear trees along the flight path, the pilot attempted a right turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft's wheel pants contacted a tree while the plane remained banked to the right, resulting in a slight loss of airspeed. The aircraft then brushed two additional trees, lost further airspeed, and subsequently crashed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the takeoff phase. Examination of the accident site and aircraft condition confirmed that the aircraft struck multiple trees after departing the runway. The damage pattern indicated contact with vegetation while the aircraft was still in a banked attitude to the right.
Findings
Contributing factors included the pilot's decision to attempt a short field takeoff without sufficient obstacle clearance margin. The loss of airspeed during the initial climb and subsequent turn prevented the aircraft from clearing the tree line along the flight path. The contact with the first tree initiated a chain of events leading to the final crash.
Safety message
Pilots should carefully calculate required takeoff distances, including obstacle clearance requirements, before attempting short field operations. Adequate margin must be maintained to ensure safe clearance of terrain and obstacles along the intended flight path.