What happened
The pilot, identified as a student, was operating an aircraft that had become disoriented and was critically low on fuel. In response to these conditions, the pilot elected to make a precautionary landing at an airstrip characterized by a surface composed of dirt and sand. A fence was present at the departure end of this strip.
The available takeoff data indicated that under specific conditions—gross weight, zero wind, 4000 feet elevation, and 80-degree temperature on a hard-surface runway—a minimum distance of 1129 feet would be required for takeoff. However, the actual surface was unpaved.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft lifted off prematurely. This early rotation resulted in a departure stall. The aircraft subsequently struck the fence located at the departure end of the airstrip. Following the impact, the aircraft rolled a short distance into adjacent sagebrush before coming to a complete rest.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the physical evidence at the site and the performance data relative to the conditions. The surface of the airstrip was confirmed to be 1000 feet of dirt and sand with a fence at the departure end. The takeoff performance calculations were based on standard hard-surface runway data, which highlighted the discrepancy between required performance and available conditions.
Findings
The primary factors leading to the accident were the pilot's loss of orientation and low fuel state, which necessitated an unplanned landing. The subsequent premature lift-off during takeoff from a soft surface contributed directly to the departure stall. The departure stall was the critical event that led to the collision with the fence and the final rollover into the sagebrush.
Safety message
Pilots operating from unpaved airstrips must carefully evaluate takeoff performance requirements, as soft surfaces significantly increase ground roll distances. Premature rotation can lead to stalls at low altitudes, leaving insufficient time or distance to recover.