Incident Overview
A private pilot was conducting a departure under 14 CFR Part 91 from a gravel bar measuring 800 feet in length, located adjacent to a river. During the takeoff roll, as the airplane began to accelerate, the pilot heard an unusual noise and decided to abort the takeoff. He reported that he was unable to stop the airplane before it went into the river at the departure end of the site.
Sequence of Events
After entering the river, the airplane subsequently nosed over. The accident resulted in structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and vertical stabilizer.
Pilot Recommendations
In the recommendation portion of his written report submitted to the NTSB, the pilot noted: "Use longer gravel bar with no departure over water."