Incident Overview
Heavy rains had flooded the causeway connecting Middle Bass Island to the main island, prompting a family to seek transportation off the island. A pilot attempted to fly them to the mainland using the island's 2,100-foot grass airstrip. The airstrip was wet and had muddy ruts.
Witness Observations
Witnesses observed the aircraft lift off at the midpoint of the runway, then settle back onto the airstrip. The aircraft continued its takeoff roll and lifted off again in a nose-high attitude. It did not gain altitude and subsequently collided with trees off the end of the runway.
Aftermath
The aircraft settled inverted and burned. No further details about occupants, injuries, or aircraft identification are provided in the source.
Probable Cause
No probable cause is stated in the source.