What happened
The pilot initiated takeoff from a 2,300-foot runway covered with tall grass. Environmental conditions included a temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit and an elevation of approximately 1,500 feet, with a light quartering tailwind present. The pilot reported that the aircraft accelerated slowly but noted that this performance was typical for the specific make and model. After becoming airborne at the end of the runway, the plane climbed out of ground effect and began to settle. Recognizing an imminent stall, the pilot pulled the gear handle; however, the gear gate remained stuck shut. The gear did not open until after the aircraft had mushed into a cotton field.
Findings
The aircraft sustained significant damage after striking the ground and traveling through approximately 500 feet of cotton crops. The failure of the landing gear to deploy properly contributed to the severity of the impact.