Accident Details
The pilot initiated takeoff on runway 11, which has an elevation of 150 feet above mean sea level. The density altitude at the time was reported by the pilot to be 1,500 feet. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft climbed to approximately 75 feet above the ground. Shortly thereafter, it settled into trees located at the departure end of the runway.
Pilot Reports
The pilot reported that the wind was calm at the airport. However, weather information from a station approximately 14 miles west in Gainesville, Florida, indicated the wind at 2052 Eastern Daylight Time was from 250 degrees at 9 knots. The pilot also noted that the grass on the runway was damp, the tires were soft, and the canopy was open. The passenger stated that the aircraft used more runway than usual.
Investigation Findings
No mechanical problems were reported by the pilot. The investigator estimated that the takeoff gross weight of the aircraft was 1,318 pounds. The maximum allowable gross weight for the aircraft was 1,260 pounds.