Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The instructor (cfi) was demonstrating a soft field takeoff when the accident occurred. Both the instructor and student reported seeing the mowing tractor off the west side of the runway prior to the takeoff. Both stated that as the nose of the airplane was lowered after becoming airborne, they saw the tractor directly to the left side of the airplane. The cfi stated he veered right in an attempt to avoid the tractor; however, the left wing contacted the roll bar of the tractor. The cfi reduced the power and landed on the remaining runway. The tractor operator stated he saw the airplane taking off and was making a right turn to move further away from the runway when the airplane veered to the left and struck the tractor. A slight right crosswind was present at the time of the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
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