Incident Summary
A pilot reported that a nighttime departure from a grass airstrip ended with the aircraft leaving the runway and striking a rolled hay bale in an adjacent field. The runway lacked any lighting, and the pilot determined that takeoff could still be accomplished.
Circumstances
According to the pilot, he instructed an individual in an automobile to position the vehicle at the departure end of Runway 22 and shine its lights at the airplane to provide a centerline reference. However, the pilot later stated, "Unfortunately, I instructed the automobile to set at the end of Runway 18." He further characterized the event as "a blatant error in judgment and aircraft direction" that resulted in departing the runway and impacting the hay bale.
The pilot reported that it was dark at the time of departure. No other information regarding the aircraft, occupants, or injuries was provided.