Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s selection of an unsuitable takeoff area, which resulted in impact with obstacles.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot reported that he landed off airport to an unimproved surface. He remarked that the "airplane only needs about 60 feet of ground roll to become airborne." During the attempted takeoff, the airplane ascended about 2 ft above ground level before the landing gear wheel impacted desert shrubs, and the pilot aborted the takeoff. The airplane touched down and developed a side load, and the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage tube struts and the firewall. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The private pilot reported that he landed off airport to an unimproved surface. He remarked that the, "airplane only needs about 60 feet of ground roll to become airborne." During the attempted takeoff the airplane ascended about 2 ft. above ground level before the landing gear wheel impacted desert shrubs and the pilot aborted the takeoff. The airplane touched down and developed a side load and the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage tube struts and the firewall. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.