Accident Description
A pilot conducted a southerly takeoff from a short and uneven grass airstrip. The aircraft was loaded near its maximum gross weight and carried three occupants. Weather conditions included high density altitude, estimated at 4,100 feet. Witnesses reported that the aircraft stalled at low altitude, then impacted the ground in a steep nose-down attitude and subsequently burned.
Weather and Environment
About 23 miles south at La Grande, Oregon, the wind was calm. However, witnesses at the accident site stated the wind was from the northwest at 5 to 10 knots. The density altitude was estimated to be 4,100 feet.
Pilot Information
The pilot had flown 2 hours and 15 minutes in the previous 9 months.