Pilot Strikes Tree During Takeoff After Maneuvering to Avoid Dogs

Incident Overview

According to the pilot, during taxi onto the runway of a private airstrip, dogs were observed on the runway. The pilot elected to position the airplane on the left side of the runway to accommodate the animals during the takeoff roll.

The Accident

Shortly after rotation, the airplane's left wing tip struck a tree. The pilot reported that the force of the impact caused the airplane to spin 90 degrees to the left, into the tree line, where it came to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies existed that would have prevented normal flight operations.