Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during a soft-field takeoff performed according to the manufacturer's procedures, the airplane lifted off approximately halfway down the dry sod runway. While in ground effect, the airplane descended and touched down. The pilot was able to get the airplane airborne a second time, but it touched down again. Shortly after becoming airborne a third time, the main landing gear collided with the edge of a highway adjacent to the departure end of the runway.
Runway and Highway Details
The pilot stated that the road was about 3 to 5 feet above the runway's elevation. However, the state aeronautics commission determined the road was approximately 1 foot 6 inches above the runway's elevation. The runway was 2,940 feet long, with a 550-foot stop way. A 300-foot stop way was located at the departure end of the runway.
Pilot Actions and Performance
The pilot did not abort the takeoff after the first touchdown, explaining that the airplane had enough airspeed to get into the air. According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), the airplane required between 1,600 and 2,250 feet of hard surface runway to rotate for takeoff, depending on the type of takeoff and airspeed used. The pilot used the stop way and the runway for the takeoff.
Conclusion
The incident involved multiple touch-and-go cycles during a soft-field takeoff, culminating in a collision with a raised highway edge beyond the departure end of the runway.