What happened
The incident occurred during a flight operation involving the transport of parachute jumpers. The pilot initiated the takeoff roll from a private airstrip. As the aircraft accelerated down the available pavement, it failed to achieve the necessary lift to become airborne. Consequently, the aircraft continued past the end of the runway and departed the prepared surface. It subsequently collided with a ditch located adjacent to the airfield. The impact brought the aircraft to a stop in an upright position. The wreckage came to rest partially extending onto a country road that bordered the airstrip.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators examined the operational parameters of the flight. A critical calculation was performed regarding the mass of the airplane at the time of departure. The analysis determined that the total weight of the aircraft significantly exceeded its design limits. Specifically, the loaded weight was computed to be 250.5 pounds over the maximum certified gross weight limit.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the excessive mass of the airplane. The overweight condition prevented the aircraft from generating sufficient lift during the takeoff phase. This lack of performance resulted in the failure to clear the runway boundary and the subsequent collision with terrain features.