Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during an attempted takeoff from an unimproved, wet airstrip with four passengers aboard, the tricycle-geared airplane began to hydroplane. This led to a ground loop, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and tail of the airplane.
Passenger Account
A passenger stated that after taxiing to the end of the runway and turning around, the pilot initiated the takeoff roll. Following liftoff, the airplane immediately turned right, then left, and subsequently impacted trees on the left side of the runway. After the initial impact, the airplane continued traveling backwards through the trees.
Post-Accident Observations
Photographs taken immediately after the accident by the passenger revealed that the flaps were in the retracted position. Additionally, the right main landing gear box was protruding through the floorboard of the airplane. Substantial damage was noted to the left wing and fuselage, just aft of the rear window.