Aircraft and Pilot
The aircraft involved was a 1941 Boeing A75N (Stearman). The pilot reported no deficiencies in the airplane's performance or handling during the flight.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, the airplane powered up as expected during takeoff. The takeoff roll was described as "accelerated normally, perhaps a little longer than usual." The airplane lifted off the grass strip but was unable to climb sufficiently. It subsequently struck trees and wires, and a postcrash fire destroyed the aircraft.
Pilot Statement
When asked about the possible cause of the accident, the pilot stated he did not know but noted that the high density altitude, the airplane's high gross weight, and a tailwind "didn't help." The pilot added that he had never seen the performance charts provided by the airplane's owner, which were for an airplane with a lower gross weight and contained no tailwind adjustment data. The pilot also reported that he did not conduct any performance planning before the takeoff.