Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a short field takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during a short field takeoff from a small unimproved airstrip, as the airplane climbed through tree top altitude, the indicated airspeed decreased by 20-30 knots and the left wing dropped rapidly. The airplane descended and impacted trees beyond the airstrip. The wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage and the pilot sustained serious injuries. The passenger sustained minor injuries. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation and that the wind likely diminished during a critical phase of the climb out, and due to the slow airspeed, the left wing stalled resulting in an uncontrolled left roll.