What happened
The pilot was operating a light aircraft from an unimproved landing area with two passengers who were described as hunter-friends. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that the aircraft bounced three times along the surface. After these bounces, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately four feet before striking trees located at the departure end of the landing area. The trees were ten feet high. Upon impact with the vegetation, the aircraft nosed over.
The investigation
The pilot provided a statement regarding the sequence of events leading to the accident. He noted that the takeoff was unsuccessful and resulted in the aircraft striking obstacles at the departure end of the unimproved area. No mechanical examination details were provided in the source text.
Findings
Contributing factors included the use of an unimproved landing area which likely contributed to the bouncing during the takeoff roll. The pilot speculated that the unsuccessful takeoff might have been caused by a headwind changing to a tailwind during the takeoff phase, although this was his personal assessment rather than a confirmed finding.
Safety message
This incident highlights the risks associated with performing takeoffs from unimproved landing areas where obstacles may be present at the departure end and surface conditions are unpredictable.