Accident Summary
An airplane departed the runway during takeoff and struck pine trees. The aircraft had been accelerating on Runway 3 when it veered off the surface and entered a wooded area. The airplane came to rest in an open field after colliding with small pine trees, which sheared off the left main landing gear.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that he performed a preflight inspection, including a weight and balance calculation. He reported that during the takeoff roll, the aircraft was "pushed forcefully forward and to port by a rear right crosswind." The pilot indicated that he was unable to keep the airplane on the runway, so he reduced power ("pulled the power off") and the aircraft came to a stop in an open field. He also stated that there was no mechanical malfunction.
FAA Inspection
An FAA inspector reported that the pilot was taking off downwind on a 4,000-foot-long turf runway. The inspector noted that the airplane never gained altitude and exited the runway under full power, passing through small pine trees. The left main landing gear was sheared off during the collision.
Weight and Balance
The pilot provided the passengers' weights to the FAA. Using performance charts for the aircraft model (Cessna), the FAA inspector calculated the weight and balance. The calculations showed that the airplane was 40 pounds over gross weight and outside the center of gravity envelope.