What happened
The pilot initiated the takeoff roll and reported that operations appeared normal initially. However, as the aircraft approached the end of the runway, it failed to achieve flight. In an attempt to reduce weight, the pilot jettisoned cargo or fuel, but this action was insufficient to allow the aircraft to clear a hill located at the terminus of the airstrip.
The investigation
An FAA inspector reviewed the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation identified specific environmental conditions that negatively impacted performance. A tailwind component and ambient temperatures reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit were cited as primary contributors to the aircraft's inability to clear the obstacle.
Findings
The failure to become airborne was directly linked to high density altitude conditions caused by the extreme heat and wind direction. These factors degraded lift generation, preventing the pilot from achieving the necessary climb gradient over the terrain at the end of the runway.