Preflight and Takeoff
The pilot prepared for departure from an airport situated at 6,469 feet above mean sea level (MSL). Prior to takeoff, the mixture was leaned while the engine was running at 2,000 RPM. The reported density altitude was approximately 9,100 feet MSL.
The aircraft was configured with 10 degrees of flaps for takeoff. The initial climb to 300 feet above ground level (AGL) was described as normal, but shortly thereafter the aircraft began to lose altitude. Engine RPM remained steady at about 2,000 RPM throughout this phase.
Inflight Decision-Making
Recognizing the descent, the pilot raised the flaps and lowered the nose in an attempt to regain VY (best rate of climb speed). Despite these actions, the aircraft continued to lose altitude. In response, the pilot elected to perform a precautionary landing in an open pasture located approximately 3 miles west of the airport.
During the approach, the pilot reduced power and extended the flaps fully. The aircraft touched down, but during the rollout it encountered a small gully, causing the airplane to flip over.
Weather and Post-Accident Conditions
Weather information from Gallup Flight Service Station indicated that a thunderstorm had moved south of the airport at 1349 hours, with rainshowers of unknown intensity present in all quadrants. The pilot reported that heavy rain began falling 45 minutes after the accident.
Aircraft Handbook Guidance
The aircraft's handbook specifies that the mixture should be leaned at full power, contrary to the pilot's action of leaning at 2,000 RPM before takeoff.