What happened
The airplane attempted to depart from a private airstrip equipped with a 1700-foot grass runway. During the initial phase of the takeoff roll, the aircraft struck a fence located near the departure end of the strip.
The condition of the runway contributed significantly to the incident. The grass on the surface was approximately 12 inches tall, creating substantial drag and resistance. Additionally, the runway surface itself was described as rough and uneven, which likely affected the airplane's ability to accelerate normally or maintain directional control during the critical takeoff phase.
The investigation
Following the accident, an examination of the aircraft was conducted to determine if any mechanical failures played a role in the event. Investigators looked for evidence of pre-impact malfunction or failure that could have prevented normal operation.
The investigation failed to disclose any mechanical problems that would have prevented normal operation of the airplane. No defects were identified that would account for the inability to complete the takeoff or avoid the fence.