What happened
The pilot reported that shortly after initiating takeoff, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 25 feet above the ground. At this point, the aircraft encountered a significant downdraft near a small hill located at the end of the runway. The descent induced by this atmospheric disturbance could not be arrested, resulting in a collision with the terrain.
At the time of the incident, the aircraft was operating approximately 400 pounds below its maximum takeoff weight limit. Environmental conditions included a density altitude of roughly 3,800 feet. Wind data indicated a westward flow at speeds between 5 and 7 knots, which the pilot identified as a headwind component.
The investigation
Investigation into the operational context revealed that the pilot lacked accurate knowledge regarding the maximum gross weight specifications for the specific aircraft involved. The pilot incorrectly believed the limit was 4,400 pounds, a figure that actually applied to a different aircraft model he had operated previously. The correct maximum gross weight for the accident aircraft was 3,900 pounds.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to the accident included the encounter with a localized downdraft during the critical initial climb phase and the pilot's misunderstanding of the aircraft's performance limitations regarding weight constraints.