Accident Sequence
A certified flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating a soft field takeoff procedure to a student pilot. Before the takeoff, both the instructor and student observed a mowing tractor positioned off the west side of the runway. As the airplane became airborne and the nose was lowered, both individuals saw the tractor directly to the left side of the airplane.
The CFI stated that he veered the airplane to the right in an attempt to avoid the tractor. However, the left wing of the airplane made contact with the roll bar of the tractor. After the wing strike, the CFI reduced engine power and landed the airplane on the remaining runway.
The tractor operator reported that he saw the airplane taking off and was making a right turn to move further away from the runway when the airplane veered to the left and struck his vehicle. A slight right crosswind was present at the time of the accident.