Aircraft Accident During Departure from Grass Strip (N64RS)

Accident Overview and Sequence of Events A pilot departed from a 700-foot grass strip in a tailwheel-equipped airplane fitted with tundra tires, intending to transport a passenger to a hunting area. During the initial climb, the aircraft reached approximately 100 feet above ground level while executing a slight right turn. The pilot stated that a gust of wind suddenly pushed the tail downward. The airplane then descended in a right-wing-low and nose-low attitude toward the ground, passing through two strands of high-voltage electrical wires. The pilot recalled seeing sparks from the right wingtip. The aircraft struck the ground in a small grove of trees located 2/10 of a mile from the departure end of the runway, and a postcrash fire occurred. No mechanical malfunction of the engine was found.