Event Description
According to an official accident investigation source, an airplane's left wing contacted a tree branch during the initial climb from runway 17. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground. The aircraft came to rest on its nose in a near-vertical attitude, located in a wooded area.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that he positioned the airplane for takeoff at the approach end of runway 17 and had to clear the inside and outside of the windows after they fogged. He stated that he initiated the takeoff roll and the airplane lifted off the ground approximately 1,000 feet down the runway. During the takeoff roll, the windshield and side windows became obscured by condensation (fog), blocking his view of outside references. The pilot maintained control of the airplane by referencing the flight instruments. The airplane was approximately 60 feet above ground level when the passenger 'excitedly' stated 'trees left, trees left.' The pilot misinterpreted the passenger's statement as 'veer left, veer left,' and began to bank the airplane to the left. The airplane's left wing contacted a tree branch, which resulted in the airplane 'spinning to the left and pointing [it] straight down.'