Incident Overview
According to the pilot, the incident occurred during a nighttime takeoff attempt from an unlit turf runway. To assist with visibility, two sets of vehicle headlights were directed down both sides of the runway just before the attempted takeoff.
Runway and Obstacle Conditions
The turf strip was characterized by grass approximately 8 inches tall and wet. The edges of the runway were not easy to determine. On both sides of the runway, at about 1,500 feet down, there were groups of bushes ranging from 10 to 30 feet tall.
Takeoff Sequence
The pilot initiated the takeoff roll to the right of the centerline due to difficulty discerning the runway edges. Using a short field takeoff technique, he rotated at about 20 knots, which limited his forward visibility. At approximately 40-45 knots, the right wing struck the bushes, causing a loss of directional control.
Outcome
The aircraft subsequently departed the runway, spun 180 degrees, and came to rest in a plowed field adjacent to the runway.