Overview
A pilot with over 30 months of inactivity flew an aircraft that was 40 pounds over its maximum gross weight during a takeoff from a short runway with obstacles. The aircraft stalled shortly after liftoff, struck trees, and impacted the ground.
Pilot Experience and Training
The pilot had not flown for more than 30 months prior to the accident. One month before the accident, he received 1.9 hours of dual instruction. This instruction was not a biennial flight review but rather a checkout in an airplane new to the pilot. The checkout was conducted at a major airport with long runways.
Flight Details
The accident flight was the pilot's first takeoff from a short runway with obstacles. Takeoff power was applied, and the airplane accelerated normally. After liftoff, the pilot established the airplane in a climb attitude. The desired airspeed was 55 knots, but the airspeed decreased to 40 knots. The airplane stalled, struck trees, and then impacted the ground.
Aircraft Weight
The aircraft was 40 pounds over its maximum gross weight at the time of the accident.
Conclusion
The accident sequence involved a stall after takeoff from a short runway, with the aircraft exceeding its maximum gross weight and the pilot having limited recent experience in the aircraft type and runway environment.