Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that the flight departed with light and variable winds. He stated that he used the short field obstacle clearance procedure to avoid powerlines located 1,000 feet from the departure end of the runway. After the aircraft became airborne, it would not climb. The pilot initiated a turn to avoid the powerlines and steepened the turn to avoid trees in the aircraft's path. During the steep turn, the aircraft lost altitude, and a landing was subsequently made in a farm field. The aircraft landed hard, resulting in damage to the landing gear and propeller. After the occupants evacuated, the aircraft caught fire and was destroyed.
Environmental Conditions
The temperature at the time of the accident was 93 degrees Fahrenheit. The density altitude was calculated as 2,600 feet.
Aircraft Damage
The hard landing caused damage to the landing gear and propeller. The aircraft was destroyed by fire following the evacuation of the occupants.