What happened
Two certified flight instructors (CFIs) attempted to depart from a private grass airstrip measuring approximately 1,800 feet in length, oriented on a heading of 310/130 degrees. The flying instructor initiated a short-field takeoff from runway 31 but discontinued the maneuver at a predetermined abort point established by the pilot-in-command.
A second takeoff attempt was then made in the opposite direction. This second attempt was also discontinued at an abort point; however, the aircraft failed to stop before reaching the end of the runway. In an attempt to "spin the aircraft out," the pilot-in-command applied full right rudder. The aircraft subsequently struck a tree near the left wing root, which caused the left fuel tank to rupture and rotated the airplane 90 degrees from its direction of travel.
At a nearby airport located roughly 20 miles east of the site, winds were reported at 270 degrees at 7 knots.
The investigation
An examination of the wreckage showed no pre-impact damage to either the engine or the airframe. Investigators also noted that the grass strip used for the takeoff was not approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).