Incident Overview
A private pilot was attempting a southwesterly departure from a landing site that was not an airport, measuring 650 feet in length. According to the pilot, approximately midway through the takeoff run, the airplane lifted off but was unable to achieve sufficient altitude to clear a group of willow trees located at the end of the takeoff area.
Pilot Account
During an interview, the pilot stated: "I was about 5 or 6 feet high when the strong winds pushed the airplane into the willows at the end of the takeoff area." In a written statement submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the pilot reported that the wind conditions at the time of the accident were from the southwest at 15 knots, with peak gusts reaching 20 knots.
Circumstances
The accident occurred during a takeoff from a non-standard landing site. The pilot's description indicates that the airplane became airborne but could not climb sufficiently before encountering the trees. No other details about the airplane, injuries, or damage were provided in the source.