Accident Sequence
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot lost control of the single-engine airplane, causing it to impact an 80-foot tree. The airplane struck the tree with little to no forward speed in a nose-low pitch attitude. The propeller had freshly cut several tree limbs.
Aircraft Loading
The accident flight carried approximately 300 pounds of fuel, 100 pounds of ballast weight in the baggage area, a 359-pound passenger in the rear seat, a 170-pound front seat passenger, and the 170-pound pilot. This loading brought the gross weight to about 200 pounds in excess of the maximum gross weight limitations. The calculated center of gravity was less than one inch from the most aft center of gravity limit.
Pilot Information
The private pilot, who had accumulated 145 total flight hours, had completed a checkout in the accident airplane three days prior to the accident. That checkout lasted about one hour and included a questionnaire and a weight and balance calculation and discussion. The accident flight was the first flight in that airplane since the checkout. The pilot had flown for approximately 40 minutes before departing on the accident flight.
Aircraft Condition
No pre-accident anomalies with the engine or airframe were noted that would have contributed to the accident.