What happened
A single-seat aircraft, configured with seat belts on the floor to transport parachutists, was operating at an estimated gross weight of 2,834 lbs, which exceeded the maximum certificated gross weight of 2,550 lbs. During takeoff from a soft sod runway (rwy 9), the pilot encountered a crosswind component. Approximately 12 miles south of the field, winds were reported at 020 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 18 knots.
The pilot reported that a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right during the takeoff roll. In an attempt to avoid a telephone pole, the pilot executed a hard right turn, causing the airplane to hit the ground and cartwheel. A parachutist seated on the floor next to the pilot noted that the stall warning horn sounded continuously from the moment of takeoff until the aircraft made contact with the ground.
The investigation
Mechanical examination of the aircraft revealed that the carburetor heat was in the 'CARB HEAT ON' position.