Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during a takeoff from an airstrip, he experienced a loss of altitude shortly after becoming airborne, leading to a forced landing on rising terrain. The pilot stated that the winds were light and variable from the northeast, and he elected to take off to the north.
Takeoff and Terrain
The airstrip consisted of a downhill first half followed by an uphill second half. Beyond the uphill section was a 100-foot-wide canyon and then rising terrain. Approximately one-third of the way down the runway, a slightly elevated road crossed the strip, which the pilot described as very rough to transition during the takeoff roll.
Flight Control Actions
The pilot reported that he immediately raised the landing gear and flaps when he became airborne. After flying over the canyon, he noticed that the airplane seemed to fall out from under him. He then elected to belly the airplane in on the grassy area on the rising terrain, prior to reaching the trees.
Pilot's Handbook Guidance
The Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) states: "On takeoff, do not retract the gear prematurely. The aircraft may settle and make contact with the ground because of lack of flying speed, atmospheric conditions or rolling terrain."
Pilot's Assessment
During a subsequent conversation with an FAA inspector, the pilot stated that the aircraft might have been able to out-climb the terrain had he not retracted the flaps.