Accident Details
A 700-hour private pilot was at the controls of a single-engine airplane during a departure from a 3,200-foot long by 55-foot wide turf runway. The runway in use was 06, which has trees approximately 30 feet tall on the left side and at the departure end. The published airport procedures specified using runway 06 for departures and runway 24 for arrivals.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's report, the airplane faced a 17-knot tailwind during the takeoff roll. After lifting off, the pilot encountered a wind reversal at treetop level. The airplane then began "mushing forward on the edge of a stall" while in a nose-high attitude. Subsequently, the airplane collided with a tree and came to rest in a large tree.
Weather Conditions
At 1153, a weather reporting facility located about five miles east of the accident site reported wind from 240 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot noted that "visibility was good, but the atmosphere was turbulent and unstable."
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained damage from the collision with trees and terrain. No further details were provided.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate and had logged 700 total hours of flight experience.