What happened
During a local area personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, a private certificated pilot was departing toward the south from a snow-covered private airstrip. During the initial climb, an east crosswind blew the aircraft into a stand of trees located along the right side of the airstrip. The aircraft collided with the trees and became lodged in branches approximately 40 feet above the ground.
The investigation
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the aircraft. According to the pilot's report, wind conditions were variable at less than 5 knots with no wind gusts present during the departure.