NTSB Factual Report

The pilot was departing from a road lined with refrigeration trailers located on a tidal beach. He said that during the takeoff roll he noticed a red buoy located in his departure path. He reduced the throttle and attempted to maneuver around the buoy striking the right wing on a refrigeration trailer. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the operator stated that the accident may have been prevented if the pilot had followed company policy and walked the beach to look for obstructions prior to departure.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's loss of situational awareness during the takeoff roll resulting in a collision with a refrigeration trailer.