Accident Details
Witnesses reported that the aircraft lifted off Runway 8 in an unusually nose-high attitude with a shallow climb angle. The aircraft continued on the runway heading until it settled into a group of trees 0.4 miles from the end of the runway. The stand of trees off the end of the runway was between 25 to 35 feet in height and situated on slightly rising terrain.
Aircraft Performance and Runway Information
The aircraft owner's manual indicated that the distance required to take off and clear a 50-foot obstacle under no wind conditions would be approximately 4,700 feet. The runway was 5,850 feet long, hard-surfaced, with a slight rise in the center but otherwise no slope. Wing flaps were not utilized during the takeoff.
Environmental Conditions
Winds were 7 knots from 080 degrees. The airport elevation is 6,750 feet, and the temperature was about 51 degrees Fahrenheit. The density altitude was calculated to be 7,600 feet.
Post-Accident Investigation
No significant discrepancies were noted in the examination of the engine or airframe. The Safety Board concurred with the technician that the abnormality found in the carburetor had no role in the cause of this accident.