Background
The pilot was making his first attempt at an uphill takeoff on a 2,300-foot private airstrip. The airstrip was estimated to have an upgrade of between 6 and 8 percent.
Takeoff Attempt
After taxiing to the north end of the airstrip, the pilot noticed a strong right-quartering gusty headwind. He selected 20 degrees of flaps and applied full power. The takeoff roll consisted of the first 1,000 feet on level ground, the next 1,000 feet uphill, and the last 300 feet on level ground. A fence bordered the end of the airstrip.
Anticipating a longer-than-usual ground roll due to the uphill departure, the pilot applied back pressure on the control yoke with 300 feet of available runway remaining. However, the aircraft did not lift off. He then added another 10 degrees of flaps, which he stated was in accordance with the airplane's soft-field takeoff procedures. As the airplane crossed the fence line at the end of the runway, the pilot heard an impact sound.
Engine Failure and Landing
After becoming airborne, the engine immediately developed a vibration. The pilot executed a right 180-degree turn back toward the airstrip. Approximately one-half to two-thirds of the way through the turn, the engine lost all power and stopped. The pilot landed the airplane in a pasture bordering the departure airstrip on the west. During landing, the aircraft spun 180 degrees and slid backward before coming to rest upright.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the vertical stabilizer, and the fuselage. The exhaust stack exhibited impact damage that creased the bottom one-third of the component, nearly closing the exhaust opening.
Aircraft Manual's Notes
The aircraft owner's manual specifies that soft-field takeoffs are performed with 20 degrees of flaps, and flap extension to 30 or 40 degrees is not recommended for takeoff.