Primary finding
Probable cause
The non-certificated pilot’s failure to configure the airplane for takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The non-certificated pilot reported that he forgot to adjust the airplane’s propeller control before takeoff from his private airstrip. During takeoff, the airplane overran the runway and impacted parked machinery on his personal property. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its fuselage. The pilot did not make the airplane available for examination and did not cooperate with local and federal investigators; therefore, further information could not be obtained.