Accident Overview
The pilot of a small airplane reported that before departure, he calculated the total weight at 860 pounds, which was 5.5 pounds over the aircraft's weight limit. During the preflight check, a static engine run-up produced only 2400 RPM, whereas the engine typically produced 2500 RPM.
Takeoff and Initial Climb
The pilot rotated the airplane at 80 miles per hour. The aircraft climbed to an altitude of approximately 100 to 150 feet before encountering turbulence. According to the pilot, it felt as though something was pushing the airplane toward the ground. He decided the airplane would not be able to climb over nearby trees, so he began turning off the fuel selector switch and the master switch, and the aircraft entered the trees.
FAA Inspector's Observations
An FAA inspector stated that the airplane was at maximum gross weight at takeoff and encountered a downdraft. During the flight, the stall warning light illuminated. The pilot lowered the nose to prevent a stall, but the airplane was unable to maintain altitude and subsequently struck trees at the end of the runway.
Environmental Conditions
The reported temperature in the area around the time of the accident was approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds were variable at 4 knots. The calculated density altitude was 2,332 feet.