What happened
The pilot assessed the available runway length by measuring the north-south gravel road, determining it to be 36 feet wide. Noting that the aircraft's wingspan measured 30 feet, the pilot decided to utilize this road for a southbound takeoff. The road surface was crowned and sloped downhill, with telephone wires running along the eastern edge.
During the ground roll, the pilot attempted to maintain a position on the right side of the loose gravel surface. However, the aircraft departed the road, entering a bordering ditch. From there, it moved into an adjacent wheat field, where it ground-looped across the road before colliding with a fence.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed extensive damage to the airframe and propulsion system. The outboard section of the left wing was damaged, along with the left forward wing lift strut. The left landing gear assembly sustained significant impact damage, as did the propeller.