What happened
The pilot and two passengers attempted to depart on Runway 24 under challenging environmental conditions. The aircraft was loaded with full fuel in the right tank while the left tank remained empty, operating at or near its maximum gross weight limit. At the time of departure, the density altitude was recorded at 6,500 feet MSL. Weather reports indicated a significant crosswind from 310 degrees at 14 knots, with gusts reaching 32 knots.
During the takeoff roll, the tower operator observed that the aircraft lifted off but immediately pitched nose-high. Witnesses reported that the aircraft never climbed above 25 feet AGL. As the nose remained elevated, the right wing dropped toward the runway surface on two separate occasions. The aircraft struck the top wire of the airport fence at an altitude of four feet AGL before continuing beyond the end of Runway 24. Upon impact with trees located beyond the runway threshold, both wings separated from the fuselage.
The investigation
Investigation into the mechanical condition of the aircraft focused on the fuel distribution and weight parameters. It was confirmed that the pilot had loaded full fuel exclusively in the right tank, leaving the left tank empty. This configuration contributed to the aircraft operating at or near its maximum gross weight limit during a high-density-altitude takeoff attempt.