Pilot's Observations
The pilot reported that during his arrival to the airport on the previous day, he noticed the center of the runway was sandy and soft due to the drought. Prior to departure, he walked a third of the runway to check surface conditions. He decided to stay off the middle and favor the grassier side of the runway, although he anticipated it would be bumpier during the takeoff roll.
Takeoff and Sequence
The pilot elected to depart from runway 18, which he noted was slightly downhill. The breeze was from the west-southwest. He performed a soft field takeoff while staying on the west side of the runway. The takeoff roll was bumpy. The airspeed indicator reached 55 mph, with a rotation speed of 60 mph. The airplane encountered a bump, causing the airspeed to drop to 50 mph before increasing back to 55 mph. A subsequent bump again dropped the airspeed to 50 mph before it increased. By this time, the airplane crossed a road located toward the end of the runway and struck a berm. The impact sheared the nose wheel. The airplane became airborne with insufficient airspeed to sustain flight. The left wing contacted the ground, and the airplane spun 180 degrees, skidding backward before coming to a stop.
Post-Accident Statement
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.