CHI95LA150

During the initial climb after taking off with a direct left crosswind, the airplane struck several trees which lined the airport's perimeter. After impact with the trees, the airplane banked sharply to the right and impacted the ground in an uncontrolled descent. A surface weather observation was taken two minutes after the time of the accident. The observation reported the wind from 270 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 19 knots. The pilot had a total of 122.1 hours of flight time, 18.6 hours of which were training in takeoff and landings in crosswind conditions.

On May 14, 1995, at 1455 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28- 160, N5528W, was destroyed when it impacted trees after taking off from East Gull Lake Airport, East Gull Lake, Minnesota. The private pilot reported no injuries and two passengers reported serious injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight originated in Minneapolis, Minnesota. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated he completed all preflight procedures at East Gull Lake Airport and then radioed his intention to takeoff on runway 31 (2618' x 75'). The pilot recalled beginning the initial takeoff roll, but did not recall any of the events which occurred after this point.

One witness, a flight instructor, reported she first observed the airplane accelerating down the runway on its initial takeoff roll. The witness stated she was both amazed and shocked that the airplane was even attempting to takeoff because there was a direct left crosswind of approximately 10 to 20 knots. The witness stated the airport's windsock was fully extended at the time due to the wind conditions. The airplane lifted off at the end of the runway in ground effect. The witness stated that it appeared that the pilot was really fighting to keep the airplane level as it was blown to the right of the runway. She stated that she could tell the airplane was not going to clear the line of trees which were located along the perimeter of the airport. The airplane contacted the tops of the trees, banked sharply to the right, and then disappeared behind the trees.

A surface weather observation from Brainard-Crow Wing County Regional Airport, which is located 15 miles northeast of East Gull Lake Airport, was taken two minutes after the time of the accident. The observation reported clear skies, twenty miles visibility, and winds 270 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 19 knots. The pilot, in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report Form 6120.1/2, reported the winds to be at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots.

A postaccident examination was performed on the engine. The engine was successfully started and run. No mechanical anomalies were found.

The pilot received his Private Pilot Certificate on August 31, 1994. Review of his logbook showed he has accrued a total of 122.1 hours of flight time with 18.6 hours of training in takeoff and landings in crosswind conditions.