WPR19LA130

The pilot reported that after a normal preflight, he proceeded to the runway and started the takeoff roll. Once the airplane’s tail lifted off the ground, the airplane pulled toward the left and continued to do so despite the pilot adding right rudder. He reduced the power to idle and attempted to stop the airplane; however, it exited the runway surface and impacted a tree substantially damaging the wings. The pilot had about 82 hours in make and model but only about 5 to 10 hours in the accident airplane, which had a more powerful engine than his previous airplane. Postaccident examination revealed there were no anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Wind reports shortly before and after the accident indicate a crosswind in relation to the takeoff runway. In addition, the accident airplane’s more powerful engine may have responded differently on takeoff than what the pilot was accustomed to. Despite these potential factors, the pilot ultimately did not maintain directional control during takeoff.

On April 21, 2019, about 1845 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 170B, N4567C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Dry Creek Airpark (OG21), Prineville, Oregon. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that after a normal preflight, he proceeded to runway 25 and started the takeoff roll. Once the airplane’s tail lifted off the ground, the airplane pulled toward the left. The pilot added right rudder, but the airplane continued to pull toward the left. He reduced the power to idle and attempted to stop the airplane; however, it exited the runway surface and impacted a tree substantially damaging the wings. The pilot also stated he had about 82 hours in make and model but only about 5 to 10 hours in the accident airplane since he recently purchased it. The pilot also said that the accident airplane had a more powerful 180 horsepower engine than his previous airplane (145 horsepower). During an examination of the airplane by a mechanic, the flight controls remained secured, were configured properly, and did not exhibit abnormal wear. In addition, the wheels rotated freely, and the brakes exhibited normal operating wear signatures. No anomalies were noted during the examination. The nearest weather reporting station was located about 6 miles to the north-northwest of the accident airport. About 10 minutes before the accident, the wind was reported from 010º at 8 knots; and about 10 minutes after the accident wind was reported from 360º at 8 knots gusting to 13 knots.