Caribou, ME, USA
N248PC
Theordore Jankowski Rans S-12
Same as Factual Information
The pilot initiated a takeoff from a turf runway. After the airplane became airborne it drifted to the left over an approximately 2-foot tall area of unmowed vegetation. The left main landing gear entered the top of the vegetation, the pilot "fought it off," and the airplane broke free. He then pushed forward on the control stick to keep from reaching a critical angle of attack and the landing gear reentered the vegetation once again. The pilot broke free for a second time, and began to climb. He then realized that he was approaching trees, but thought that he would be able to climb above them. Moments later the right wing struck the top of a tree, the airplane pivoted to the right and impacted the ground, seriously injuring the pilot and substantially damaging the airplane.
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control which resulted in a subsequent impact with trees. A factor in the accident was the unmowed area of vegetation.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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