Accident Overview
The accident occurred during an attempted takeoff. According to the investigation, after completing the runup, the pilot failed to push the propeller lever to the full forward position. This condition contributed to the performance shortfall.
Witness Observations
Multiple witnesses observed the airplane exhibit very slow acceleration and an unusually long ground roll during the takeoff attempt. The reduced acceleration was consistent with the propeller not being set to maximum rpm.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll, the left main landing gear departed the paved surface and ran onto the runway shoulder. The left main tire then impacted a rut in the shoulder area, which caused a loss of directional control. The airplane subsequently veered off the runway and collided with the roof of a hangar and a utility pole located at the departure end of the runway.
Environmental Conditions
A crosswind of 10 knots existed at a 90-degree angle to the runway. The crosswind component may have influenced the directional control difficulties after the tire struck the rut.
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to position the propeller lever to the full forward position after completing the runup, which resulted in reduced acceleration and a longer takeoff roll, leading to the loss of control and collision.