Incident Details
The accident occurred shortly after a downwind takeoff from a 1,400-foot private grass airstrip. The instructor initiated the departure with a downwind heading to account for surrounding terrain. The flight was an instructional session with the instructor's wife serving as the student pilot.
Sequence of Events
According to the instructor, he allowed the student to perform the takeoff. However, when he observed that the airplane had traveled too far down the runway, he assumed control. The instructor lifted off and successfully outclimbed a nearby hill. Shortly thereafter, the airplane began to sink and subsequently struck a tree approximately a quarter mile beyond the runway end.
Post-Accident Information
The instructor reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. He stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had initiated the lift-off sooner.