NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that after a preflight and normal run up he taxied to the runway for takeoff. The airplane lifted off the runway about midfield, but was not climbing as the pilot expected. He stated that the engine was operating normally. As the airplane climbed through about 100 feet, the pilot felt that the airplane was losing lift or stalling, so he lowered the nose and simultaneously had to bank to the right to avoid the tops of a stand of trees near the departure end of the runway. During the turn, the airplane stalled and hit the ground, and that is the last thing that the pilot recalled about the event. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot reported that the airplane was at or above its maximum gross takeoff weight at the time of the accident, which could have explained the less than expected climb performance. He also stated that if he did not have to maneuver away from trees just beyond the departure end of the runway, he may have effected a landing without incident.

After the accident, the pilot offered a safety recommendation in his NTSB Form 6120 Pilot/Operator Report. He stated that pilots who fly airplanes with low horsepower should avoid operating at airports with obstacles in close proximity to the runway, as there is not much margin for error.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, in that he did not determine whether the airplane’s climb performance would be sufficient to clear obstacles before initiating take off.