N1308F

On August 15, 1998, at 1520 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172G, N1308F, was substantially damaged when it collided with trees during initial climb from a private grass strip near Williamson, New York. The certificate private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the new airplane owner, who occupied the left seat, the purpose of the flight was to fly the newly purchased airplane to the Williamson-Sodus Airport. He said he was not comfortable flying out of the grass strip, so he asked the previous owner to fly it to a nearby airport that he was comfortable with.

He said they were taking off to the north, and the airplane veered to the right during the takeoff roll. Shortly after lift off, about 15 feet above the ground, the right wing struck trees on the right side of the runway, nosed into the trees, and came to rest opposite the direction of travel.

The new owner said it was a calm day with light winds. He said that the grass strip was about 2,000 feet long, and it was in good condition. He reported over 350 hours of total flight experience which included 10 hours in make and model.

The previous owner said that a preflight inspection was completed, taxied to the south end of strip , completed a run-up and started the takeoff roll. When the airplane lifted off, it drifted right, the right wing struck trees, and the airplane was drawn into the trees and stopped in the trees.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the previous owner reported that the new owner was at the controls at the time of the accident. The previous owner reported over 3,000 hours of total flight experience, when he applied for a second class medical certificate, that was issued on April 12, 1991.

The previous owner reported that there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane and that the accident could have been prevented if there was more preparation.