Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fence during takeoff initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to not use all of the runway distance available for takeoff and the high density altitude.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he only used the 1,300-foot asphalt portion of the 5,100-foot runway because the dirt portion of the runway was rough and contained loose rocks. During takeoff from the asphalt surface, which was the area closest to the departure end of the runway, the airplane rotated at the normal takeoff speed; however, it did not climb as the pilot expected. Subsequently, the airplane struck a fence, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and rudder, and then came to rest upright beyond the departure end of the runway. The pilot further reported that the airplane did not climb as he expected due to the high density altitude and the crosswind present at the time of the accident. Using weather conditions reported about 5 minutes before the accident and the airport elevation of 3,075 feet mean sea level (msl), the density altitude was about 6,389 feet.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he utilized the asphalt portion of the 5,100-foot long runway due to the dirt portion of the runway being rough and containing loose rocks. During takeoff from the 1,300-foot long asphalt surface, which was the area closest to the departure end of the runway, the airplane rotated at the normal takeoff speed, however, did not climb as he expected. Subsequently, the airplane struck a fence, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and rudder and came to rest upright beyond the departure end of the runway. The pilot further reported that he felt the airplane did not climb due to the high density altitude and crosswind present at the time of the accident. Using reported weather conditions about five minutes prior to the accident and airport elevation of 3,075 feet mean sea level (msl), the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge calculated the density altitude to be about 6,389 feet.