Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to determine the airplane’s takeoff performance from an off-airport field which resulted in an aborted takeoff and impact with a fence and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the delayed aborted takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot and his passenger had landed the airplane in a friend’s off-airport field. After a brief visit, the pilot preflighted the airplane, started the engine, and proceeded to take off. About halfway down the field, the pilot realized he was not going to get off the ground in time and elected to abort the takeoff. The airplane struck a terrace and bounced into the air. As the end of the field approached, the pilot tried to settle the airplane back on the ground. The airplane struck a fence and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, left wing strut, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.