Incident Overview
A single-engine airplane operated by a private pilot with 2,779 hours of flight experience was involved in an accident during a short/soft field takeoff from a dirt road. The road was oriented in a northeasterly direction.
Sequence of Events
After becoming airborne, the airplane reached approximately 15 feet above ground level. At that point, it drifted to the right side of the road. The outer 12 inches of the right wing came into contact with branches from a mature mesquite tree. The impact caused the airplane to yaw and bank to the right. In response, the pilot applied full left aileron and left rudder input, but these control inputs did not prevent the accident. Shortly after the tree strike, the airplane impacted the terrain and came to rest in an upright position.
Occupant Actions and Post-Impact
The pilot and the sole passenger were able to exit the airplane without assistance. There was no post-impact fire.
Environmental and Mechanical Factors
The wind at the time was reported from approximately 60 degrees at 10 knots with gusts to 15 knots. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane.