What happened
The pilot initiated takeoff from the north end of a farm field characterized by rolling terrain. After a ground roll of approximately 1,000 feet, the STOL-equipped airplane lifted off. Upon reaching an estimated altitude of 150 to 200 feet above the ground, the pilot reported that the aircraft began to fall out of the sky. During the descent, the aircraft struck telephone wires and trees before impacting the ground.
A flight instructor-rated passenger in the rear seat corroborated the pilot's account. This passenger noted that the airplane lost lift while performing a left turn as it approached rising terrain, leading to the crash shortly thereafter.
The investigation
An on-scene investigation examined the aircraft and its powerplant, finding no mechanical anomalies that would have prevented normal flight. Physical evidence from the site included tire tracks in 6 to 8-inch high grass, which indicated a takeoff roll of approximately 1,500 feet. The path through the trees struck by the aircraft was oriented at a 90-degree angle to the takeoff tire tracks.