The aircraft's red beacon is not on until he is lining up, he's not making use of the entire runway, although it is very long in terms of his needs, and I suppose we give him the benefit of the doubt on pre take off run up having been edited out.
But, despite all the options, I don't think he saw the tree until he was in it, he's looking back at the airfield, off to his right, most of the time.
Can anyone tell me what the legal position is with the FAA and fitting of a camera to the outside of such an aircraft? I'm sure there is a difference between having a licensed aircraft engineer doing it, and the pilot just getting a few cable ties and hoping for the best. This has the look of a kit build, if so, is there not some inspection required if you deviate from the plans?