Accident Sequence
The pilot conducted a takeoff and allowed the airplane to accelerate in ground effect to normal climb speed. When the pilot initiated the climb, airspeed decreased by 20 to 25 knots, and the airplane settled back onto the runway. The airplane then departed the end of the runway, struck a runway light and a fence post, and traveled about 1,100 feet before coming to a halt. The empennage separated from the airplane when it collided with terrain.
Weather Conditions
The pilot reported wind from 160 to 200 degrees at 12 knots with gusts to 16 knots. At 1256, the recorded METAR at Leadville showed wind variable at 3 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; few clouds at 11,000 feet; temperature 21 degrees Celsius; dew point minus 7 degrees Celsius; altimeter 30.35 inches of mercury; peak wind from 180 degrees at 35 knots; rain began at 1235 and ended at 1246; sea level pressure 1009.0 millibars.