What happened
The pilot reported attempting a takeoff from Runway 33, which measured 2,420 feet in length. The operation was conducted under challenging wind conditions, specifically utilizing a downwind configuration with an estimated tailwind component of approximately 12 knots. During the acceleration phase, the pilot determined that at the halfway point of the runway, the aircraft had not achieved sufficient indicated airspeed to safely continue the departure.
Consequently, the pilot initiated an abort of the takeoff procedure. Despite the early decision to stop, the aircraft failed to come to a halt within the remaining pavement. It overran the end of Runway 33 and collided with a ditch located adjacent to the runway threshold. The impact forces caused the aircraft to nosed over onto its back.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's account of the takeoff performance and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Key factors included the short runway length relative to the tailwind component and the resulting reduction in available acceleration distance and lift generation capability.