NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on a gravel road, he failed to see a low hanging tree branch that the airplane collided with. The airplane veered off the road to the left and impacted an embankment that bordered the road. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right side of the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate selection of a take-off area, resulting in a collision with obstacles and a loss of directional control.