Accident Overview
Ground witnesses at the airport observed the pilot depart uphill on runway 36 into rising terrain. The aircraft collided with trees just beyond the runway's departure end.
Runway and Signage
Runway 36 is 2,980 feet long with a 50-foot pavement width and a 3.5 percent uphill gradient. The terrain north of the airport rises more steeply. An airport warning sign states in red: "This R/W Closed for takeoff use R/W 18."
Pre-Takeoff Communication
On the day of the accident, the pilot contacted the FAA Rancho Murieta Automated Flight Service Station at 0823. The pilot questioned the briefer about takeoff procedures and an "X" marked on the runway. After discussion, the briefer told the pilot to take off on runway 36 (uphill), contrary to the signage and FAA Airport/Facility Directory remarks.
Source of Briefer's Information
According to the briefer, his source for airport procedures was the FAA Airport/Facility Directory. The directory entry for the airport initially stated: "Airport closed to touch and go; go arounds; takeoff from runway 36 and landings on runway 18." Later in the entry, another note read: "Land runway 36 takeoff runway 18 due to steep 3.5 percent uphill airport gradient and steeper rising terrain to the north."
Aircraft Weight and Performance
The maximum gross weight of the airplane is 3,850 pounds. Based on known and estimated weights, the accident aircraft weighed about 3,939 pounds, or 89 pounds above the maximum takeoff weight. According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) and best available information, the airplane would have required 3,750 feet of level, paved, dry runway for takeoff with zero flaps to clear a 50-foot obstacle.
Weather Conditions
Witnesses at the airport estimated temperatures in the mid-90s to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind out of the south. Based on this information, the density altitude was estimated between 4,000 and 4,800 feet mean sea level (msl).