Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to takeoff in shifting winds from a remote unimproved gravel bar, which resulted in a failure to attain an airspeed suitable for flight and a loss of control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during takeoff from a remote unimproved gravel bar, after becoming airborne, the airplane began to descend. He added that there was “plenty of runway left” and he allowed the airplane to bounce on the airstrip. The pilot continued the takeoff attempt, and after an additional bounce, the airplane descended for a third time onto “much larger rocks”. Subsequently, the airspeed diminished, and the airplane came to rest in the trees and rocks. The pilot added that during the takeoff, the headwind switched to a tailwind. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.