Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's premature lift off which resulted in insufficient climb performance and collision with trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated, 'i did not get lined up for takeoff the way i should because of the dog chasing the plane... The plane was going slow and as i neared the end of the runway my right wing tip hit a tree.' according to an FAA inspector, during the takeoff roll the pilot's dog ran in front of the airplane. The pilot lifted off prematurely to avoid his dog and the airplane collided with trees.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 25, 1994, about 1315 eastern standard time, N98542, a Piper J3C, piloted by Harry R. Bickford, on a personal flight, was substantially damaged during takeoff at Waldoboro, Maine. Visual meteorological conditions existed. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The local flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reported, "I did not get lined up for takeoff the way I should because of the dog chasing the plane... The plane was going slow and as I neared the end of the runway my right wing tip hit a tree. This caused the plane to turn in the air stalling the right wing. I went into a pitched down attitude the left wing hit first and the engine right behind it. The aircraft was damaged (substantially) but I was not hurt." According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), during the takeoff roll the pilots dog ran in front of the airplane. The pilot lifted off prematurely to avoid his dog and the airplane collided with trees. -