What happened
During an aborted takeoff from runway 27, a Cessna (type not specified) impacted a hill. The pilot was utilizing an informal short field takeoff procedure that employed 10 degrees of trailing edge flaps. During the climb, the pilot observed a less than expected climb rate and initiated an aborted takeoff on the remaining portion of runway 27 in an effort to avoid striking a church located along the intended climb path.
The investigation
The investigation revealed that the aircraft was 80 lbs over its gross weight limit at the time of the accident. Examination of the aircraft showed that the landing gear was sheared from the airframe, and the right main landing gear impacted the horizontal stabilizer.
Findings
- The pilot used 10 degrees of flaps for the takeoff, whereas the Pilot's Operating Handbook specifies a flap setting of 25 degrees for short field takeoff.
- There was no published takeoff performance data available for a 10-degree flap setting.
- The aircraft was operating above its maximum gross weight.