Accident Overview
A commercial pilot and flight instructor was providing crosswind instruction to his daughter, a private pilot who occupied the left seat. During a touch-and-go maneuver, the private pilot applied engine power for departure. The instructor later stated that a left crosswind had been gusting to about 15 knots. As the airplane accelerated for takeoff, it began to veer off the right side of the runway. The instructor reported that he was unable to prevent the airplane from colliding with several trees along the right side of the runway.
Damage and Conditions
The airplane sustained damage to the wings, landing gear, and fuselage. Fifteen minutes before the accident, the automated weather observation system (AWOS) at the airport reported winds at 9 knots, with gusts to 15 knots.
Pilot Experience
The private pilot, who was a student in this instructional context, had accrued a total flight time of 115 hours, of which 55 hours were as pilot-in-command. Her experience in the accident airplane totaled 19 hours, with 11 hours as pilot-in-command.