What happened
The pilot initiated takeoff in a downwind direction from an airfield where trees obstructed the departure path at the far end of the strip. The aircraft was operating with a heavy load, which significantly impacted its performance capabilities. Due to the excessive weight, the airplane was unable to accelerate and lift off within the available runway distance. Consequently, the aircraft struck the tree line located at the end of the runway before it could become airborne.
The investigation
Following the accident, an FAA Inspector conducted a physical examination of the aircraft to assess the extent of the damage. The inspection confirmed that the airplane had impacted the trees and subsequently hit the ground. This sequence of events resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the empennage.
Findings
The investigation revealed no evidence of pre-existing mechanical issues. Neither the pilot nor the inspector reported any mechanical problems during the flight or during the post-accident examination of the airplane. The primary factor contributing to the accident was the heavy loading of the aircraft, which prevented it from achieving the necessary performance to clear the obstacles at the end of the runway.
Safety message
Operators must ensure that aircraft are loaded within safe limits for the specific takeoff conditions, particularly when operating into obstacles or with limited runway length. Failure to account for weight and balance can critically degrade climb performance.