What happened
The pilot attempted a takeoff to the north under light to variable winds from the northeast. The runway configuration consisted of a downhill first half followed by an uphill second half, leading into a 100-foot wide canyon and subsequent rising terrain. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft crossed a slightly elevated road approximately one third of the way down the airstrip, which presented a rough transition.
Immediately after becoming airborne, the pilot raised the landing gear and flaps. After passing over the canyon, the pilot observed the airplane losing altitude. To avoid obstacles, the pilot elected to perform a belly landing in a grassy area on the rising terrain before reaching the trees. The event occurred near the end of civil twilight, which was 2033.
Findings
The Pilot's Operating Handbook warns against premature retraction of the gear during takeoff, noting that the aircraft may settle and contact the ground due to insufficient airspeed, atmospheric conditions, or rolling terrain. The pilot later indicated that the aircraft might have been able to clear the terrain if the flaps had not been retracted.