Accident Details
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane was departing from a mountain airport situated in a valley. According to the pilot, during takeoff he rotated at about 52-54 miles per hour. Approximately 20 feet above the ground, a strong crosswind from the left pushed the airplane to the right of the runway centerline. Despite the pilot's control inputs, the airplane collided with trees on the right side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.
An FAA inspector who examined the accident site reported that the pilot rotated approximately 400 feet from the start of the takeoff roll and impacted trees about 621 feet from where the takeoff roll was initiated. The inspector estimated there was at least an additional 2,000 feet of usable runway remaining at the time of the accident.
Performance Considerations
The field elevation was 9,300 feet MSL, and the density altitude was calculated as 12,600 feet. The performance charts for this airplane stop at 8,000 feet, requiring extrapolation for the airport elevation and weather conditions. Calculations by the FAA inspector estimated a minimum takeoff roll of 425 feet before rotation under ideal conditions for weather and mixture setting.
Witness Accounts
A witness reported that the pilot was "hot dogging" and was trying to show off when the pilot took off in a very short distance and climbed at a steep angle. The witness stated that the airplane aerodynamically stalled, collided with trees, and came to rest in a ditch. The witness also reported that the winds were calm at the time of the takeoff and accident.
The airplane came to rest on private property that abutted the airport. According to the witness, the landowner dragged the airplane onto airport property with a tractor. The FAA inspector did not photograph the airplane wreckage before it was moved.
Additional Information
Eight other airplanes of similar make and model departed the field around the time of the accident without incident. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.