Accident Overview
On August 18, 2010, about 1015 Pacific daylight time, an Ercoupe 415C, registration N2368H, collided with trees during takeoff from Lake Wenatchee State Airport in Leavenworth, Washington. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 for a cross-country personal flight en route to Auburn, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported making a short field takeoff to the west with an approximate 5-mile-per-hour headwind. Shortly after liftoff, he realized the airplane would have difficulty clearing trees at the end of the runway and considered aborting the takeoff. He decided insufficient runway remained and continued the takeoff and climb at what he believed was the best angle of climb speed. The airplane did not stall, but the pilot stated the speed might have been below the best angle of climb speed. He turned slightly to the right, but the airplane collided with the top 10 feet of trees surrounding the airport.
The pilot lost consciousness and his legs were numb when he awoke. The passenger evacuated herself and called for emergency services. The pilot later reflected that taking off downwind to the east, using a different airport, or maintaining a faster airspeed might have been preferable. He reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions.
Witness Account
A witness, a pilot who had not flown for 30 years, drove the pilot and passenger to the airport. He observed the pilot taxi to the runway end and perform a run-up, noting the engine sounded smooth. The airplane taxied into position on runway 27 and appeared to stay stationary as power was added, then started forward.
The witness noted no wind during taxi, but a very slight crosswind during takeoff. The turf field seemed bumpy, and the airplane kicked up dirt during the takeoff roll, which was longer than expected. After liftoff, the airplane did not appear to climb, drifted right while remaining wings-level, then began a shallow climb. The witness lost sight behind trees and heard a loud sound about 2 seconds later. He did not think the airplane had engine issues or stalled. At the wreckage, the passenger was standing beside the airplane; he instructed the pilot to turn off the ignition.
Aircraft and Environmental Information
The airplane, an Ercoupe 415C, sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage from impact forces. The private pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries. No flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions were present.