Accident Narrative
The aircraft collided with a dirt bank after losing altitude during the initial climb following takeoff from a dirt road. According to the pilot, the aircraft became airborne after an approximately 800-foot ground run and climbed to an altitude of 10 feet above ground level. While at that altitude, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind and settled 6 feet. It then struck a 4-foot-tall dirt bank located at a bend in the road. The impact sheared off the nose gear. Subsequently, the aircraft landed in soft sand and nosed over.
Aircraft Loading and Conditions
The pilot's accident report indicated that the aircraft was loaded with 88 gallons of fuel and had three persons on board at the time of departure from the dirt road. The temperature was approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) at an elevation of 5,500 feet.
Performance Information
According to the operator's manual, for a gross weight of 2,700 pounds, a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, and a pressure altitude of 5,000 feet, the minimum ground roll distance required to accomplish a short field takeoff is 930 feet. The actual ground run reported was 800 feet.