What happened
The pilot was performing a takeoff roll from a 1,300-foot gravel runway that had been cleared of snow. According to the pilot, the aircraft initially demonstrated very good acceleration at the start of the takeoff roll; however, the acceleration then appeared to hold rather than continuing to increase.
Evidence indicated that the aircraft lifted off the runway but subsequently settled and touched down approximately 45 yards beyond the end of the runway. Upon touchdown, the aircraft contacted uneven terrain, which caused the failure of the right main landing gear. The aircraft then slid across a frozen lake, eventually coming to a stop with damage to the propeller and wing. There were no injuries reported.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft conducted approximately 30 minutes after the accident revealed the presence of minimum icing on the wings. A post-accident mechanical examination found no evidence of any pre-impact mechanical malfunction or failure of the aircraft.