Accident Overview
During the initial climb after takeoff from a 1,000-foot-long dirt runway, an airplane struck a power line and trees. The pilot reported that acceleration on runway 23 was normal, but the aircraft did not gain altitude as rapidly as anticipated during the takeoff, which was conducted with a 40-degree quartering tailwind.
Conditions and Pilot Report
No mechanical malfunctions were reported. The wind was from 090 degrees at about 5 knots with occasional gusts to 10 knots. The ambient temperature was estimated at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the airstrip's elevation was 2,620 feet mean sea level. The Safety Board estimated that the density altitude at the time was approximately 6,000 feet.
Investigation Findings
Investigators noted that the combination of high temperature, tailwind, and elevated density altitude likely affected aircraft performance, but no specific causal conclusions have been drawn. The event remains under review.