Accident at Pierceland (1 MI W), Sask.

1997-03-21: This was the pilot's first flight on a recently purchased copy cub. During the take-off and climb, the pilot noted a reduction in aircraft performance relative to his earlier experiences on a similar aircraft which had been equipped with a larger engine. The pilot lost control of the aircraft during the initial climb; the climb rate decreased and the aircraft's left wing dropped. The pilot recovered but was unable to maintain altitude and elected to carry out a forced landing. On landing the aircraft struck trees causing damage to the left wing tip, engine cowling, propeller, and right main landing gear. It would appear that pilot technique or a lack of was a player in this occurrence.