Accident Sequence
During the takeoff roll on a grass runway measuring 2,200 feet long and 100 feet wide, a pilot-rated passenger initiated the takeoff. According to the pilot, the airplane became airborne briefly at an expected point but then settled back onto the runway. In response, the pilot reduced the throttle and applied the brakes in an attempt to abort the takeoff. However, the airplane continued beyond the end of the runway, traversed a hay field, collided with a ditch along a cornfield, and ultimately came to rest inverted.
Environmental Conditions
The temperature at the time of the accident was 92 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pilot's Preflight Actions
The pilot reported performing a mental calculation of the airplane's weight and balance prior to takeoff. He determined that the airplane was loaded within limits with two people aboard. Additionally, the pilot stated that he was unable to compute the airplane's takeoff distance because performance charts were not available for the airplane.