What happened
A commercial certificated pilot was attempting to depart from a remote, grass-covered airstrip oriented northeast/southwest. The runway measured approximately 800 feet in length and 30 feet in width. After taxiing to the end of the strip for a southwest departure, the pilot applied full power.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft began to veer to the left. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the pilot applied the right brake; however, the aircraft slid on the wet grass surface of the runway. The left wing of the aircraft struck the top of a small tree located along the left side of the airstrip. The aircraft continued in a left arc, exiting the runway and colliding with a large tree.
The investigation
The impact resulted in damage to the left wing, fuselage, engine motor mounts, and propeller of the aircraft.