Accident Summary
An aircraft overran the departure end of the runway at Alturus Municipal Airport and collided with a ditch and a fence after the pilot aborted the takeoff. The airport elevation is 4,375 feet above mean sea level. The official weather observation taken 20 minutes after the accident reported a temperature of 83 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a computed density altitude of 7,100 feet.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that during the takeoff ground roll, the engine ran smoothly but did not seem to reach full RPM. At about 50 knots, the pilot rotated the nose of the aircraft, and it climbed approximately 10 feet before settling back onto the pavement. The pilot attempted several times to lift off the runway, but the aircraft would not climb off the pavement. Subsequently, the pilot aborted the takeoff, overran the departure end of the runway, and struck a ditch and a fence.
Weather and Density Altitude
The temperature at the time of the accident was 83 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to a density altitude of 7,100 feet—well above the airport's field elevation of 4,375 feet. High density altitude reduces aircraft performance, including climb capability and engine power output.
Flight Manual Guidance
The flight manual for the aircraft states that the mixture should be leaned for takeoff at fields with elevations above 3,000 feet. Additionally, the rotation speed specified in the flight manual for a normal takeoff is 55 knots. The pilot rotated the aircraft at about 50 knots, which is below the recommended speed.