Background
Prior to the accident flight, sheriff's officers observed the pilot landing the rented airplane on a public road. The pilot stated he landed on the road because it was conveniently located near his business. The officers informed the pilot that, for safety and other reasons, they would not authorize him to depart from the road. In response, the pilot moved the airplane to an adjacent open dirt field, which he believed was adequate for departure.
Accident Sequence
During the takeoff from the open dirt field, the airplane encountered a crosswind. The pilot stated that he failed to correct for the crosswind, and as a result, the airplane drifted approximately 100 feet off its intended course. The drift continued until the airplane impacted a tree. The precise location of the field and the damage sustained by the airplane were not specified in the report.
Post-Accident Information
No further details regarding injuries or damage were provided. The pilot's reported failure to correct for the crosswind during the takeoff was the stated cause of the drift and subsequent collision with the tree.