Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain proper pitch control during takeoff from a muddy, turf runway and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll from a wet, turf runway, the airplane encountered mud and veered left. He applied aft pressure to the stick, and the airplane climbed into ground effect. The pilot pulled up and attempted to climb out of ground effect, but the airplane descended and impacted trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll from a wet turf runway, the airplane encountered mud, and veered left. He applied aft pressure to the stick and the airplane climbed into ground-effect. The pilot "pulled up" and attempted to climb out of ground effect, but the airplane descended and collided with trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.