What happened
During a flight training session, a certified flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating a soft-field takeoff when the aircraft collided with ground equipment. Both the instructor and the student on board reported observing a mowing tractor positioned off the west side of the runway prior to the start of the takeoff roll.
As the aircraft became airborne and the nose was lowered, the occupants observed the tractor directly to the left of the airplane. In an attempt to avoid the vehicle, the instructor veered the aircraft to the right; however, the left wing made contact with the tractor's roll bar. Following the collision, the pilot reduced engine power and successfully landed the aircraft on the remaining portion of the runway.
The operator of the mowing tractor stated that he observed the airplane taking off and was in the process of making a right turn to increase his distance from the runway when the aircraft veered toward him and struck the vehicle. At the time of the accident, weather conditions included a slight right crosswind.