Accident Details
A private certificated pilot was performing a takeoff from a soft area of tidal beach. Following a soft-field takeoff procedure, the pilot allowed the airplane to climb to about 20 feet above the ground. He then held the airplane in ground effect to build airspeed.
During this phase, the airplane encountered a downdraft and settled onto the ground. The pilot aborted the takeoff by pulling the engine power to idle, raising the flaps, and applying maximum braking. The airplane skidded approximately 70 yards before going over a small berm at the end of the takeoff area.
Damage
The main landing gear struck a log, causing the airplane to come to rest against a small hill. According to the pilot, the right main landing gear was torn out of the wing, and the left main landing gear scissor was broken, allowing the left main gear strut to fall out of its housing. Additionally, the leading edge of the right wing and the right flap were damaged.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that after the aborted takeoff and skid, the airplane came to a stop against a small hill. No further details about injuries or other damage were provided in the source.