Accident Overview
The accident occurred during the takeoff roll at an unspecified location. According to the pilot, a dog appeared in front of the airplane just as the takeoff began. The next thing he recalled was the airplane banking left and colliding with trees lining the left side of the runway.
Account of the Pilot-Rated Passenger
The pilot-rated passenger, who was also the owner of the airplane, provided a similar account. He stated that when he saw an animal appear in front of the airplane, he intervened in an attempt to avoid a collision. Specifically, he applied back pressure to the control column to get the airplane airborne. He then remembered the airplane veering to the left, and he tried to apply right rudder while pushing the control column forward in an attempt to keep the airplane in ground effect.
Statements on Mechanical Integrity
Both the pilot and the pilot-rated passenger stated that prior to the accident there had been no mechanical failure or malfunction to the airplane or any of its systems. No further details about the aircraft or its condition were provided.
Sequence of Events
Based on the statements, the takeoff roll was proceeding normally until an animal, described as a dog, appeared unexpectedly. The intervention by the passenger altered the aircraft's trajectory, leading to a left bank and subsequent collision with trees. The pilot did not recall the specifics of the initial intervention, but the passenger's actions were aimed at avoiding the animal. The attempt to regain control after the left veer included right rudder and forward control column inputs, but the airplane ultimately struck the trees.