Incident Overview
The pilot had completed three uneventful parachute drop flights with three or four jumpers each. After landing, the pilot picked up two jumpers. During the subsequent takeoff roll, the pilot aborted the takeoff but was unable to stop the aircraft before it struck a fence at the end of the 2,200-foot asphalt runway.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that "everything was normal, except the plane didn't lift off." He stated that the airplane was trimmed to "lift up on its own" at about 65 MPH, and he aborted the takeoff at about 65 MPH. The pilot used the same elevator trim setting for every takeoff, regardless of the number of jumpers on board.
Examination Findings
Examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions of the airframe or engine. The elevator trim was found in a neutral position.
Weight and Balance Analysis
A weight and balance calculation was performed for the accident flight and for a departure with four jumpers. The center of gravity (CG) for the accident flight was approximately 21.4 inches forward of where the CG would have been for a parachute drop flight with four jumpers. The CG for the accident flight was 101 inches; the aircraft's certificated CG range was from 95 to 113 inches.