Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll and failure to take appropriate remedial action. A factor was trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft veered off the right side of the runway and collided with trees. According to the pilot, before the collision with the trees, he attempted to correct the drift by adding left rudder. Examination of the aircraft failed to disclose a mechanical problem or system malfunction.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 9, 1995, at 1900 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 170, N8233E, collided with trees on the right side of the runway during a takeoff attempt from a private airstrip in Hartwell, Georgia. The personal flight operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot and three passengers were not injured. The flight's initial departure time from Peachtree City, Georgia, was not determined. According to the pilot, the aircraft had started to drift to the right. To correct for the drift he applied left rudder but it was to late. The leading edge of the right wing had already clipped some trees. -