Accident Details
An aircraft was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff. The flight instructor reported that after a local flight, they landed to the south and taxied back to the departure end of the runway. The instructor stated that the wind was light but still out of the south, as it had been all afternoon.
Takeoff and Climb
The instructor noted that a soft field technique was employed on the accident takeoff and the full runway length was used. He stated: "Just over half way down [the] runway -- normal acceleration degraded. We were past abort point and due to dangerous road area elected to fly", although the aircraft was "behind the power curve." After liftoff, the instructor stated the aircraft did not level out very much and was at a relatively high pitch attitude. Initially the aircraft climbed to approximately 40 feet above ground level. However, it settled lower and was "bobbling" in and out of ground effect as they approached the end of the runway.
Obstruction Avoidance and Landing
The flight instructor reported that, due to an inability to climb, they were forced to fly under a set of power lines at the end of the runway. The power lines ran along a roadway, which bordered the south side of the airport. He stated that they "could not accelerate" and were "unable to climb." The decision was made to cut the power and impact (landing) was made before reaching more obstructions (trees)."
Post-Accident Observations
Upon exiting the aircraft, he noted that the wind was now from the north. Both pilots indicated that there were no problems with the aircraft or engine, either prior to, or at the time of the accident. The FAA Airplane Flying Handbook, concerning soft field takeoffs, states: "After becoming airborne, the nose should be lowered very gently with the wheels clear of the surface to allow the airplane to accelerate. ... An attempt to climb prematurely or too steeply may cause the airplane to settle back to the surface as a result of losing the benefit of ground effect."