Aircraft Strikes Refrigeration Trailer During Takeoff on Tidal Beach

Departure from Tidal Beach

The pilot was departing from a road lined with refrigeration trailers located on a tidal beach. During the takeoff roll, he noticed a red buoy in his departure path. He reduced the throttle and attempted to maneuver around the buoy, but the right wing of the airplane struck a refrigeration trailer.

Damage and Mechanical Condition

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Operator's Recommendation

In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the operator stated that the accident may have been prevented if the pilot had followed company policy and walked the beach to look for obstructions prior to departure.