Summary
A take-off was commenced towards the south-east on a heavily grassed strip of adequate length with a crosswind
from the north east at 10 to 20 knots. The pilot, who had not calculated the required take-off distance from the
chart in the flight manual, was not confident that the aircraft would clear a power line and trees located on the
take-off climb path so he abandoned the take-off and allowed the aircraft to roll to the south-east end of the
strip. He considered a take-off from this end but decided against it and taxied back to the other end from where
take-off was commenced after lining up and applying full power before releasing the brakes. The pilot had
ready decided to raise the undercarriage as soon as the aircraft became airborne and this procedure was
followed. Immediately following the "UP" selection the aircraft yawed to the left and port wing dipped towards
the ground. The pilot applied positive aileron correction but because the aircraft was just above the ground,
with the undercarriage retracting, the starboard propeller struck the ground. The aircraft lurched onto the
left propeller and then settled in a level attitude and slid to a halt. The pilot vacated quickly and there was no
fire.
