Incident Overview
Two pilots, a certificated private pilot in the left seat and a certificated airline transport pilot/flight instructor in the right seat, were departing from a remote airstrip. The airstrip consisted of a 1,400-foot-long area of compacted snow with a soft and rough surface. The takeoff area sloped uphill approximately 1.5 degrees. The second pilot reported that the wind was from the east at about 10 knots, and the temperature was about 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pre-Takeoff Agreement
Before the takeoff, the pilots agreed on a division of responsibilities. The first pilot, in the left seat, was to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll. The second pilot, in the right seat, was to manipulate the flaps to shorten the airplane's takeoff roll.
Takeoff and Collision
During the takeoff roll, both pilots reported that they were focused in front of the airplane. The left wing of the airplane struck a tree, resulting in damage to the wing spar.
Pilot Reports
The second pilot provided information about the wind, temperature, and slope. No other details about the aircraft, registration, or occupants were reported in the source. No injuries were mentioned, and no causal factors or conclusions were provided beyond the events described.