What happened
The pilot reported that approximately 30 feet above ground level following the takeoff roll, the engine revolutions per minute began to decrease significantly. Unable to maintain altitude or gain sufficient height, the aircraft flew into a tree located adjacent to a road near the end of the runway.
The investigation
A visual inspection of the engine was conducted after the accident and revealed no mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The property owner provided details about the departure site, reporting that the turf airstrip was approximately 1,500 feet in length.
Findings
The density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be 3,500 feet. These conditions likely contributed to reduced engine performance and aircraft climb capability during a critical phase of flight from a short field.