What happened
The pilot encountered adverse weather conditions during flight and executed an emergency landing in an open field. The terrain was described as short, rough, and wet. After stopping, the pilot attempted to take off from the same location shortly thereafter. The aircraft failed to attain sufficient airspeed for flight. Recognizing the situation, the pilot aborted the takeoff roll. Before the aircraft could come to a complete stop, it struck a fence and nosed over.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the emergency landing and the subsequent takeoff attempt. Evidence indicated that the field conditions were unfavorable for safe operations, specifically noting the short grass, rough surface, and wet ground. These factors likely contributed to the aircraft's inability to accelerate adequately during the aborted takeoff.
Findings
The primary factors leading to the accident included the initial encounter with bad weather which necessitated the emergency landing, and the subsequent decision to attempt a takeoff from an unsuitable surface. The wet and rough field conditions impeded acceleration, preventing the aircraft from reaching flying speed before the pilot aborted the maneuver. The collision with the fence occurred during this aborted roll.
Safety message
Pilots should carefully evaluate field conditions when planning emergency landings. Attempting a takeoff from a short, rough, and wet surface without adequate performance data can lead to insufficient airspeed and loss of control. It is critical to ensure that the remaining runway or field length is sufficient for safe acceleration and lift-off under the current weight and environmental conditions.