Accident Overview
An airplane impacted trees during takeoff from a short turf runway. The departure involved an uphill takeoff on a runway 2,473 feet in length. The runway surface was turf, described as poor and rough. Trees surrounded the airport and were located close to the approach and departure ends of the runway. The aircraft struck trees approximately 70 feet in height beyond the departure end of the runway.
Performance Considerations
According to Cessna Aircraft, the performance charts in the airplane's information manual indicated that 2,100 feet of takeoff distance was required to clear a 50-foot obstacle. The pilot reported estimating that he needed 2,000 feet of takeoff distance to clear a 50-foot obstacle.
Mechanical Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane after the accident and noted no mechanical difficulties that would have precluded normal operation.
Runway and Environmental Conditions
The runway was turf, with poor and rough surface conditions. The airport was surrounded by trees, which were in close proximity to both the approach and departure ends of the runway, leaving limited clearance for aircraft operations.