NYC94LA153

The pilot was departing from a 1600-foot grass airstrip. According to the pilot, liftoff occurred halfway down the runway and the airplane outclimbed trees at the end of the runway. The pilot stated, 'shortly after clearing the trees by 10 to 15 feet, the aircraft settled back and traveled a few seconds more until the right wing snagged a tree. The aircraft pivoted downward to the right and came to rest in low trees.' The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.

On August 6, 1994 about 1645 eastern daylight time, N94151, a Ercoupe 415C airplane, a personal flight, collided with trees during takeoff at Lakeside Airport, Scriba, New York. Visual meteorological conditions existed. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The destination was Seneca Falls, New York. The flight was operated under 14 CFR 91.

The pilot was a certificated flight instructor, he had approximately 1200 total hours, and 600 hours in type. He stated the aircraft was departing to the north on a 1600 foot private grass airstrip. The pilot reported the wind was from the northwest at about 10 mph. He stated the weight and balance was within its limits, and the engine ground run-up was normal.

According to the pilot lift off occurred halfway down the runway; the airplane subsequently cleared trees at the end of the runway. The pilot stated, "shortly after clearing the trees by ten to fifteen feet, the aircraft settled back and traveled a few seconds more until the right wing snagged a tree. The aircraft pivoted downward to the right and came to rest in low trees." The pilot reported no mechanical problems.