Aircraft Overran a 2,100-Foot Strip and Impacted a Levee (N7043G)

Incident Overview and Pilot Background A private pilot with 365 hours of flight experience attempted a takeoff from a 2,100-foot runway strip. The conditions included light wind and a density altitude of 2,400 feet. The pilot reported having made several previous flights from the same strip under similar circumstances without encountering any problems. ## Takeoff Sequence and Impact During the takeoff attempt, the pilot stated that he rotated the aircraft at approximately the same point he typically used. The aircraft became airborne but failed to climb out of ground effect. As a result, the aircraft impacted a levee located at the departure end of the strip and flipped upside down. ## Performance Data and Takeoff Distance The pilot did not consult the aircraft performance data to compute the required takeoff distance. According to the source, the takeoff distance needed to clear an obstacle was 2,311 feet, which exceeded the length of the 2,100-foot strip.