Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was taking off on runway 34 when the airplane veered off the right side of the runway and struck a 20 foot tree before falling to the ground. According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll the airplane veered to the right, he unsuccessfully tried to compensate by applying left rudder and some left brake. The airplane then struck a dirt mound, and became airborne briefly in a nose high low speed attitude before it struck the tree. Examination of the airplane by the FAA did not disclose evidence of mechanical nor flight control malfunction.
Source record
Factual narrative
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