Accident Details
During departure from runway 19, which is 2,500 feet long by 60 feet wide, the airplane experienced difficulty climbing. The flight instructor, realizing the airplane would not be able to clear trees at the end of the runway, performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane impacted a sign, resulting in substantial damage.
Pilot Report
The flight instructor reported no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. He stated that the wind conditions were "gusty" at the time of takeoff. The maximum gross weight of the airplane was 1,220 pounds, and the weight at the time of the accident was 1,171 pounds. The instructor noted that the accident could have been prevented if "only one person was onboard the airplane, as the horsepower was marginal with two people onboard." He also stated that he should have been more aware of the changing wind conditions.
Weather Information
The closest recorded weather observation was from an airport 27 miles to the northwest, which included winds from 230 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 21 knots.