Accident Sequence
The pilot initially landed at the airport with one passenger and then picked up two additional passengers. The pilot estimated the airplane's takeoff weight at 2,710 pounds. After taxiing onto Runway 23, the pilot released the brakes at an engine speed between 1,500 and 1,700 RPM. The airplane was rotated at an indicated airspeed of 61 to 62 knots.
Following rotation, when the airplane was approximately 30 feet above the ground, the pilot perceived that the airplane would not clear the trees at the departure end of the runway. The stall horn then sounded, prompting the pilot to abort the takeoff. During the abort, the airplane touched down to the left of the runway and subsequently entered a line of trees.
Performance Analysis
According to the airplane's performance charts, a ground run of about 1,700 feet and a clear distance of approximately 2,200 feet were required to clear a 50-foot obstacle. These calculations were based on achieving 2,700 RPM before brake release and rotating the airplane at approximately 70 knots indicated airspeed. The actual takeoff was conducted at lower RPM and rotation speed than those specified in the performance charts.