Accident Overview
According to a written statement provided by the pilot to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the airplane struck a deer during the takeoff roll from a private grass strip. The airplane subsequently failed to clear trees at the end of the runway, impacted the tree tops, and came to rest beyond the trees. The main landing gear were spread outward and the propeller was bent. An FAA examination of the airframe and systems revealed minor damage and no mechanical anomalies. The pilot confirmed that no mechanical issues were present.
Passenger Account
On June 30, 2010, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was notified by the passenger that he had sustained serious injuries during the accident. The passenger elaborated that the airplane did not hit a deer but instead had an "extremely long" takeoff roll and impacted the tree tops at the departure end of the runway before striking the ground.
Investigation Findings
The pilot did not submit the required Pilot Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report form 6120.1/2, despite multiple requests from the NTSB. The conflicting accounts from the pilot and passenger, along with the lack of a formal report, left the circumstances of the accident unresolved.