Accident Details
The accident occurred at a private airport. The pilot chose to take off from the grass adjacent to the concrete/asphalt runway. According to the pilot, the decision was based on a sharp edge at the start of the runway, as well as ruts and loose sand piles on the runway surface.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported observing a high row of weeds next to the grass area but did not see a ditch behind the tall weeds. After applying power and releasing the brakes, while performing a soft field takeoff procedure, the pilot felt the aircraft pull to the right. He applied left rudder to correct the deviation, then aborted the takeoff. The aircraft veered to the right and traveled into a ditch. The occupants escaped unharmed.
Airport Inspection
An FAA inspector who examined the airport stated that the runway did not contain ruts as described by the pilot. However, the grass extension before the runway was soft.