Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fallen tree located off the right side of the runway during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was departing a 50-foot wide turf runway which was oriented north and south. A fallen tree was lying on the right "outer edge" of the runway, but the pilot believed he "had room to miss it." During the takeoff roll, the airplane "went to the right," and the right wing contacted the fallen tree. The airplane spun to the right and collided with a fence. The right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane, and that he "just got too close to the fallen tree."
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was departing a 50-foot wide turf runway which was oriented north and south. A fallen tree was lying on the right "outer edge" of the runway, but the pilot believed he "had room to miss it." During the takeoff roll, the airplane "went to the right," and the right wing contacted the fallen tree. The airplane spun to the right and collided with a fence. The right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane, and that he "just got too close to the fallen tree."