Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot/owner’s improper preflight inspection of the weight-shift trike, which resulted in a loss of control at takeoff due to an improperly adjusted wingtip.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot departing from a road in the weight-shift control aircraft. At takeoff, the aircraft “pulled to the left” and struck a tree off the paved surface as the pilot aborted the takeoff. Afterwards, the pilot stated there were no mechanical deficiencies with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operations, and that the pull was likely due to an improperly adjusted wingtip.