Incident Overview
A single-engine aircraft was substantially damaged following an emergency landing after a loss of engine power during takeoff. The pilot reported that while departing on runway 36, a turf strip measuring 2,300 feet by 66 feet, the aircraft encountered birds at approximately 50 feet above ground level. Immediately after the encounter, the engine lost power, and the airplane began to settle toward the ground.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was unable to stop the aircraft on the remaining runway. During the subsequent overrun, the airplane struck a fence, entered a ditch, and nosed over before coming to rest. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Post-Accident Findings
A survey of the runway conducted after the accident revealed bird feathers and remains located near midfield on the runway centerline. This evidence is consistent with the pilot's account of a bird encounter during the takeoff roll.