NTSB Factual Report

The airplane reached an altitude of approximately 80 feet above the ground on takeoff when it encountered an “air pocket.” The airplane descended and the left wing contacted 20 foot tall trees. The airplane descended to the ground coming to rest alongside a building. The left wing was substantially damaged. The density altitude was calculated to be 3,790 feet. The pilot recommended that taking off with a cooler temperature and less weight in the airplane could have prevented the accident. The pilot did not recognize and compensate for the high density altitude condition that existed at the time of takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain a positive rate of climb while taking off with a high density altitude.