Departure Sequence
After performing a preflight inspection, the pilot taxied the airplane to the departure end of a 4,000-foot runway and initiated the takeoff roll. According to witnesses, the airplane became airborne before reaching the midpoint of the runway while maintaining a 'tail low' pitch attitude. Shortly after becoming airborne, the airplane began to bank and drift left over the grass, then banked and drifted right, but did not realign with the runway pavement. The airplane then started to 'wobble' laterally and exhibited a 'mush' or 'stall' behavior as it continued its climb.
The airplane subsequently struck trees approximately 450 feet from the departure end of the runway. The impact occurred with the airplane in an estimated 30-degree left bank. The trees were located about 250 feet left of the runway centerline and at an elevation 70 feet above the airport.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any preimpact failures or malfunctions. No mechanical anomalies were identified that could have contributed to the flight characteristics observed during the departure.