Departure and Weather
The pilot reported that while an airport about 15 miles away reported calm winds, the windsock at the departure airport indicated winds from the west at 5 to 10 knots. The takeoff was conducted on runway 27, a 1,650-foot long, 50-foot wide grass runway.
Initial Climb and Maneuvering
During the initial climb, the airplane encountered light turbulence while climbing above the tree line. The pilot noted that the airplane did not seem to climb as it normally would have. To avoid a hangar at the end of the runway, the pilot made a shallow left turn. However, he could not avoid a second hangar. The pilot stated there were no mechanical problems with the airplane.
Hangar Strike
The second hangar was located about 75 to 100 feet left of the runway centerline and set back from the first hangar that the pilot initially avoided. It was approximately 12 feet high and 50 feet wide, with a flat roof. The airplane struck the second hangar and came to rest on its roof. The airplane was resting about 30 degrees nose down, into the roof of the hangar, and oriented to a heading of about 180 degrees. The engine and cockpit area forward of the wings had protruded through the hangar roof.
Aircraft Damage
The underside of the fuselage was buckled, but there was no apparent structural damage to the wings. Aside from the impact with the hangar roof, the airplane did not collide with any other structures.
Inspection
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector stated that runway 27 was maintained and the grass was recently mowed. The inspector also noted that the airplane was within weight and balance limitations during the takeoff.