What happened
The aircraft crashed into trees following a stall that occurred during an attempted takeoff from a short, sod airstrip. The surface conditions were described as soggy, which likely impacted performance. After initiating the takeoff roll, the pilot rotated the nose of the aircraft prematurely. This early rotation caused the wing to lose lift at a low altitude, resulting in a stall at approximately 40 feet above ground level (AGL). The aircraft subsequently descended into the surrounding trees.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed that the aircraft had been fueled with automotive gasoline rather than aviation-grade fuel. This misuse of fuel type is a critical mechanical factor in the incident. The pilot acknowledged during the inquiry that he should have walked the field to assess the condition of the airstrip before attempting takeoff. The failure to evaluate the ground conditions contributed to the decision to proceed on a surface that was likely too soft for the aircraft's weight and performance capabilities.
Findings
Contributing factors included the premature rotation by the pilot, which led to an aerodynamic stall at low altitude. Additionally, the use of automotive fuel compromised engine performance. The soggy condition of the short sod airstrip further degraded takeoff performance, leaving insufficient runway to recover from the stall.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure that only approved aviation-grade fuel is used in aircraft engines. Using automotive gasoline can lead to severe engine malfunction or failure. Additionally, pilots should always assess field conditions before takeoff, particularly on short or unpaved strips, to ensure adequate performance margins.