Incident Overview
A pilot flying a tailwheel-equipped airplane lost control shortly after departing from a hilltop landing site, resulting in a collision with a tree and substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight Details
The pilot had spent the morning practicing hilltop landings with a second airplane, flying as a flight of two. The hilltop where the accident occurred was the third landing location of the day. The landing was uphill and uneventful. After coming to a stop, the pilot parked the airplane, exited, and went for a hike. Upon returning, the first airplane departed downhill successfully, with the accident airplane following in trail.
Accident Sequence
Once airborne, the pilot reported that the airplane drifted left and did not respond fully to control inputs. The pilot stated that a slight upslope air movement was present and that the slipstream from the propeller of the leading airplane may have contributed to the loss of control. During the event, the left wingtip struck a tree, causing the airplane to tumble.
Damage and Pilot Report
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the forward cabin during the accident sequence. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.