What happened
A certificated commercial pilot was operating a cross-country personal flight with one passenger aboard, departing from a remote, 1,300-foot-long gravel-covered airstrip. As the aircraft began its takeoff run toward the southeast, a witness reported that the engine sounded normal and appeared to be producing full power.
At the start of the takeoff roll, a large thunderstorm cell was observed approaching the airstrip from the northeast. This fast-moving storm brought very heavy rain showers and high winds from the northeast. The witness estimated that the thunderstorm cell passed over the departure end of the airstrip at the same time the aircraft was departing. Approximately 1,500 feet beyond the end of the runway, the aircraft collided with tree-covered terrain. A postcrash fire occurred, which destroyed the airplane wreckage.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of any mechanical anomalies occurring prior to the impact.