What happened
The pilot attempted to take off from a 2,300-foot private airstrip featuring an upgrade of approximately 6 to 8 percent. After taxiing to the north end of the runway and observing a strong right-quarter and gusty headwind, the pilot configured the Cessna (type not specified in source, but implied by context) with 20 degrees of flaps and applied full power. The takeoff roll consisted of an initial 1,000 feet on level ground, followed by 1,000 feet of uphill terrain, and a final 300 feet of level ground before reaching a fence bordering the runway.
Anticipating a longer ground roll due to the incline, the pilot applied back pressure on the control yoke with 300 feet of runway remaining; however, the aircraft failed to lift off. The pilot then increased flap extension by an additional 10 degrees, following what he believed to be soft-field takeoff procedures. As the aircraft crossed the fence line at the end of the runway, an impact occurred. Once airborne, the engine immediately began vibrating, leading the pilot to execute a right 180-degree turn back toward the airstrip. During this turn, the engine lost all power. The pilot successfully landed the aircraft in a pasture located west of the departure airstrip, where the plane spun 180 degrees and slid backward before stopping upright. There were no fatalities.
The investigation
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and both wings. Investigators noted that the exhaust stack showed impact damage, with the bottom third of the component creased such that the exhaust opening was nearly closed. Additionally, the owner's manual specifies that soft-field takeoffs should be performed with 20 degrees of flaps, noting that extending flaps to 30 or 40 degrees is not recommended for takeoff.