Primary finding
Probable cause
The inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot. A factor was the pilot misjudged his clearance from the trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the homebuilt aircraft attempted takeoff from remote grass strip with 200 lbs of moose meat. The aircraft failed to clear trees at the end of the strip and struck a tree with the left wing. The pilot indicated that the preflight planning was faulty and that he misjudged clearance. He said he believed the homebuilt was not overloaded. Weather reportedly not a factor.
Source record
Factual narrative
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