Flight Details
The pilot was familiar with the departure airport and was aware that high density altitude conditions existed. The runway length was 8,544 feet. During the takeoff roll, the engine responded as expected, and the aircraft began climbing.
Accident Sequence
After passing midfield, the aircraft encountered a downdraft. As a result, the airspeed decreased from 80 knots to 65 knots. The pilot, believing the aircraft would likely not outclimb the high terrain south of the field, decided to abort the takeoff. The pilot immediately applied full flaps, lowered the nose, and attempted to land on the remaining runway.
Outcome
The aircraft overran the end of the runway by 100 yards and collided with a berm.