Accident Narrative
A single-pilot aircraft accident occurred shortly after takeoff when the pilot misinterpreted a pre-stall shudder as tree contact. The pilot reported that after liftoff, he felt and heard what he initially thought was the limbs of nearby trees brushing the right wingtip. He later realized that the shudder was caused by a near stall, which made the door window at his right rattle.
Pilot's Response and Aircraft Motion
As a reflex action, the pilot initiated a left turn. He stated that from a pre-stall attitude, a left turn is a certain way to start a spin. Instead of turning left, the airplane rotated to the right. The aircraft then cartwheeled off the right wingtip and struck trees.
Final Position and Pilot's Recommendation
The airplane came to rest inverted, with its tail resting vertically in the trees. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by decreasing the climb angle sooner after liftoff.