What happened
During a departure from a grass runway using a short field takeoff procedure, the pilot attempted to depart on runway 27. The pilot reported that the wind conditions were 270 degrees at 5-7 knots. During the takeoff roll, the airplane settled back down on the runway. Although the aircraft became airborne again, it was unable to clear a corn crop located at the end of the runway.
The impact with the corn resulted in the destruction of the aircraft by a post-impact fire. The pilot noted that the grass at the west end of the runway was approximately 8 inches high. A weather report from a station located roughly 13 nautical miles and 85 degrees magnetic recorded winds of 130 degrees at 3 knots approximately 20 minutes after the accident.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft was conducted, which revealed no preexisting anomalies. In his written report, the pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions involving the aircraft. An inspector noted that the grass on the runway was approximately 3 inches high and described the surface as very damp but firm.