Event Description
According to witness reports, the pilot taxied onto the runway from an intersection, which reduced the available takeoff distance. The runway was 2,000 feet long, but the pilot had only 1,200 to 1,400 feet of usable runway from the chosen starting point. The airplane's ground roll and initial climb appeared normal, with no unusual observations. After achieving an altitude between 30 and 60 feet, the airplane's nose lowered, and it stopped climbing. The aircraft then descended, and its landing gear struck a chainlink fence and a cactus at the perimeter of the airfield. The airplane traveled beyond the fence and came to rest about a quarter-mile from the airstrip.
Investigation Findings
Following the accident, the airplane was recovered and subjected to a thorough examination. The inspection concluded that no mechanical discrepancies were present in any airplane system or the engine. The operation of the aircraft systems was found to be normal.