Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight preparation. Contributing was the pilot's failure to use all available runway and overconfidence in his own abilities.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
This was the pilot's first time attempting a takeoff from this airport, having landed there earlier in the day. Witnesses reported the pilot did not use all the available runway. Several local pilots said they advised the pilot against using the runway, but he felt otherwise, explaining that he had extensive flight experience. The pilot stated that during takeoff, when he lifted off the airplane 'shuddered', so he aborted the takeoff. The airplane overran the runway and struck an occupied van. The van occupants were not injured. The pilot reported that he did not consider the additional takeoff distance needed when an unpaved surface is used. Also, he thought the runway was about 400 feet longer than actual.
Source record
Factual narrative
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