Flight Details
The pilot landed on a 1700-foot-long airstrip at an elevation of approximately 3500 feet above mean sea level. For the subsequent departure, he chose to take off to the north under calm wind conditions. This decision was made to avoid sun glare reflecting off the engine cowling and onto the windshield.
Takeoff and Power Line Avoidance
During the takeoff roll, the pilot employed soft-field procedures to clear a 30-foot-high power line that crossed his intended flight path at an angle. As the aircraft became airborne, he raised the nose to climb over the lines. The pilot later reported reaching an altitude of about 20 to 25 feet above ground level when the power lines began appearing to rise relative to his flight path. He then initiated a left bank to avoid the lines, at which point the stall warning horn activated.
Forced Landing
Recognizing that he could not clear the power lines, the pilot set the aircraft down in a dry wash. The aircraft touched down approximately 600 feet from the departure end of the runway. Upon touchdown, all landing gear collapsed before the aircraft came to rest.