Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that after takeoff from a 2,900 ft grass runway, about 150 ft above ground level and 80 mph, the airplane quit climbing and started a slow descent. The pilot slowed the airplane to about 75 mph and the airplane descended more rapidly. As the airplane neared the ground, the pilot pulled back the control stick so the main landing gear would absorb the impact. The airplane bounced, continued airborne for about 200 ft and impacted trees which resulted in substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.