Accident Summary
A commercial pilot reported an event involving takeoff and landing on a mountain mesa. According to the pilot's account, the takeoff was conducted from a gravel runway under calm wind conditions. The computed density altitude at the time was 10,600 feet.
Flight Details
The pilot stated that during takeoff, the airplane lifted off at an indicated airspeed of 60 miles per hour. Subsequently, she executed a maneuver by diving the plane into a canyon to increase airspeed. Following this, the pilot turned and flew back over the airstrip at an altitude of 50 feet above ground level (AGL).
Descent and Landing
After flying several hundred yards beyond the airstrip, the airplane began to lose altitude continually. The aircraft eventually touched down in an area covered with juniper brush.
Source Information
All details in this article are derived directly from the official report provided by the commercial pilot involved. No additional information regarding the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, damage, time of day, or ATC involvement was specified in the source.