N97RPPorter James Grant SUPERIOR CUB · 1998

The pilot reported that he planned to depart from a small grass field. In order to give him more clearance from the trees at the end of the 700 foot strip, the pilot expected to perform a turn just after takeoff. The pilot added that he had about a 10 to 20 degree crosswind. During takeoff the airplane turned into the wind and the pilot was unable to correct the turn. In order to avoid the trees he attempted to climb through a small gap in the tree line. However, the airplane’s right wing collided with a tree and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground. An Examination of the airplane revealed that the right wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that as the tail wheel-equipped airplane touched down it began to veer to the left. The pilot added full right rudder and tapped the right brake; however, the airplane ground looped and exited the runway into the dirt. The right wing struck the ground and was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine prior to the accident.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by receiving additional instruction with a certificated flight instructor in the airplane make and model.