Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during an aborted takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The commercial certificated pilot was departing a remote, snow-covered airstrip on a Title 14, CFR Part 91, cross-country positioning flight in a wheel-ski equipped airplane. The pilot reported that during the takeoff run, he aborted the takeoff because of soft snow conditions. As the airplane slowed, it drifted to the right, and the right wing struck a tree. From the cockpit, the pilot said he saw what appeared to be minor scuffing on the right wingtip. The pilot then took off in the opposite direction, and landed at his destination. Inspection of the airplane by maintenance personnel revealed denting of the leading edge of the right wing, denting along the underside of the right wing, and a tear in the underside of the right wing aileron.
Source record
Factual narrative
The commercial certificated pilot was departing a remote, snow-covered airstrip on a Title 14, CFR Part 91, cross-country positioning flight in a wheel-ski equipped airplane. The pilot reported that during the takeoff run, he aborted the takeoff because of soft snow conditions. As the airplane slowed, it drifted to the right, and the right wing struck a tree. From the cockpit, the pilot said he saw what appeared to be minor scuffing on the right wingtip. The pilot then departed the opposite direction on the airstrip, and landed at his destination. Inspection of the airplane by maintenance personnel revealed denting of the leading edge of the right wing, denting along the underside of the right wing, and a tear in the underside of the right wing aileron.