Incident Overview
A pilot attempted to take off from an approximately 1,500-foot portion of a field on a heading of 270 degrees. The pilot reported initiating a short field takeoff with the intention of making a trial run of about 500 feet to test the terrain. However, feeling that the acceleration was sufficiently good, the pilot extended the takeoff roll and attempted to break ground.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered uneven terrain. The pilot aborted the takeoff. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over and came to rest in a tree line. An FAA inspector who witnessed the takeoff noted that if the pilot had departed to the south, approximately 5,000 feet of terrain would have been available for the takeoff roll.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported to the FAA inspector that he realized he was not going to clear the trees, so he aborted the takeoff and intentionally ground-looped the airplane.
Weather Conditions
Winds reported at an airport located about 9 miles south of the accident site, around the time of the event, were from 220 degrees at 10 knots.