Accident Overview
A commercial certificated pilot was conducting a departure from a small airstrip located at a mining claim. The airstrip, oriented east/west, measured approximately 600 feet in length and 20 feet in width, with a slope of 6 to 10 degrees. According to the pilot, the wind was blowing downhill from the west at 10 to 15 knots. To take advantage of the uphill direction, the pilot elected to depart toward the west.
Takeoff and Loss of Control
During the takeoff, the airplane lifted off but remained low, with the tires only 2 to 3 feet above the ground at the end of the airstrip. The tires then began skimming the tops of low bushes surrounding the airstrip. The pilot reported that the wind speed decreased, and subsequently the airplane contacted the ground and nosed over.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the engine propeller, wings, and empennage. No other details about the aircraft or injuries were provided in the source.
Investigation Findings
The source does not state a probable cause for the accident. The pilot's account indicates that the wind decrease coincided with the loss of control, but no causal link is specified in the official report.