Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, the airplane encountered a bump in the grass runway during the takeoff roll and lifted off the runway several knots slower than rotation speed. After liftoff, the airplane descended to the left side of the runway, impacted trees, and came to rest in a swampy area, resulting in substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Postaccident examination of the runway found it to be in satisfactory condition, with no evidence of bumps.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered a bump in the grass runway that forced it to lift off the runway several knots under rotation speed. The airplane descended to the left, impacted trees off the left side of the runway, and came to rest in a swampy area resulting in substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Federal Aviation Administration inspectors examined the runway after the accident and found it to be in satisfactory condition, with no evidence of bumps.