Incident Overview
During an instructional flight, the aircraft was loaded to its gross weight with fuel and four occupants. The instructor reported that during the takeoff attempt, the airplane failed to climb out of ground effect. It subsequently struck the tops of corn stalks at the end of the runway, impacted the ground, and came to rest inverted.
Post-Incident Findings
No preimpact mechanical abnormalities were reported by the instructor. A weight and balance calculation performed by an FAA inspector revealed that the airplane's weight exceeded the maximum gross weight limitation specified in the aircraft's flight manual. Additionally, the airplane was found to have been loaded outside of the approved center of gravity range.
Examination
The aircraft's performance limitations were exceeded due to the excessive weight and improper loading, which prevented normal climb after takeoff. The instructor did not note any mechanical issues that could have contributed to the failure to climb.