The Flight
The pilot, with three passengers and 30 gallons of fuel, initiated the takeoff roll on a 5,500-foot-long runway. The runway elevation was 5,157 feet mean sea level, and the density altitude was approximately 7,650 feet. The density altitude, higher than the field elevation, indicated less dense air conditions.
Accident Sequence
As the airplane accelerated, it began to veer left and right. The nose pitched up, causing the tail tie-down ring to scrape along the runway surface. The pilot lost directional control, and the airplane overran the runway, striking runway lights before colliding with a tree. The aircraft came to rest after the collision.
Pilot Experience
The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunctions occurred during the flight. At the time of the accident, the pilot had accumulated 75.3 total flight hours. His pilot certificate had been issued 17 days prior to the mishap.