Accident Description
The pilot of a ski-equipped airplane reported aborting his first takeoff attempt. During a second takeoff with a tailwind, shortly after rotation, the airplane settled back onto the snow-packed runway. The airplane lifted off again but, about 5 feet above the ground near the end of the runway, a wind gust pushed it down onto the runway. The airplane overran the runway and the right wing impacted a tree. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. He chose to depart to the north due to raising terrain and tall trees on the south end of the runway. The wind direction and speed were not discernable due to the lack of a windsock or weather reporting station.
Airport and Performance Information
The airport elevation was approximately 7,600 feet with a runway length of 1,800 feet. The airplane owner's manual performance information for zero wind velocity and a hard level surface recommends 3,260 feet for takeoff distance at 7,000 feet elevation, 40 degrees F, with flaps in the up configuration. With flaps at 20 degrees, the recommended takeoff distance is 3,420 feet at 7,000 feet elevation and 40 degrees F. The owner's manual also notes that for a skiplane under the most favorable condition of smooth packed snow at temperatures of approximately 30 degrees F, the skiplane takeoff distance is approximately 10% greater than that shown for the landplane. However, via the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) process, the airplane underwent an engine conversion to 180 hp and a constant speed propeller; no takeoff performance data was identified on the STC. The pilot reported he had landed and taken off from this airport previously without incident.