Accident Overview
A private pilot was conducting a takeoff from an off-airport site while ferrying supplies from a hunting camp under Title 14, CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that the takeoff proceeded without incident until the initial climb phase. At that point, the airplane failed to accelerate or climb as expected, and subsequently descended into willows beyond the end of the departure area.
Post-Accident Findings
After the accident, the pilot examined the airplane and discovered a blue tarp located behind the wreckage. According to the pilot, the tarp had been placed on low brush to mark the departure end of the takeoff area. The pilot believed that the tarp must have snagged on the tailwheel during the takeoff roll, which then kept the airplane from attaining a normal climb.
Investigation Details
The accident occurred during a departure from an unprepared surface. The pilot reported no other anomalies during the takeoff. The presence of the tarp and its potential interaction with the tailwheel was the only abnormality noted by the pilot. No other contributing factors were identified in the pilot's account.