Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper flap setting, which resulted in a collision with trees during a takeoff attempt from a short grass field.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel airplane reported that he was attempting to depart a 1,000-ft-long pasture. He forgot to position the flaps to takeoff setting and by the time he realized the error, it was too late to reject the takeoff. The pilot attempted to clear trees at the end of the pasture with the flaps retracted, but the airplane collided with the trees and came to rest upright. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the left wing.