Event Details
The pilot and his passengers arrived at the airstrip to find sprinklers still operating on the southern half. Workers removed the sprinklers while the pilot and passengers drove to a field to inspect a crop. About 15 minutes later, the pilot returned. Normally, he would drive down the grass strip to check its condition, but on this day he did not.
Takeoff Attempt
After completing normal pre-flight inspections, the occupants boarded. The pilot prepared for a short field takeoff by extending flaps to 10 degrees, applying power, and holding the brakes. He then released the brakes and began the takeoff ground roll from the southern end. At the start of the roll, he noted some soft spots but did not consider them unusual. Only after using about 70 percent of the airstrip did he realize the aircraft was not accelerating sufficiently. The aircraft became airborne approximately 150 feet from the airstrip's end. Airspeed was low, and the stall warning horn was sounding. The pilot held the aircraft level and retracted the landing gear in an effort to clear a four-foot-high embankment located about 71 feet from the end of the airstrip. The aircraft did not gain the speed or altitude necessary to clear the embankment.
Post-Crash Findings
The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions at the time of the accident. Post-crash investigation revealed that the aircraft was over gross takeoff weight. The pilot stated he did not calculate weight and balance before the flight.