Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during climbout. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's relinquish of control to a non-certificated pilot.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated he was conducting a personal flight with his friend. He allowed his friend, a non-certificated pilot, to control the airplane on takeoff. At lift-off the passenger lost control of airplane and it veered to the right. The pilot took control of the airplane, but was unable to regain control of the airplane. The airplane collided with a tree about 100 feet to the right of the end of the runway. The pilot did not report any flight control or mechanical anomalies prior to the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of a Piper J3C-65 stated he was conducting a personal flight with his friend. He allowed his friend, a non-certificated pilot, to control the airplane on takeoff. At lift-off the passenger lost control of airplane and it veered to the right. The pilot took control of the airplane, but was unable to maintain control of the airplane. The airplane collided with a tree about 100 feet to the right of the end of the runway. The pilot did not report any flight control or mechanical anomalies prior to the accident.