In a written statement, the pilot reported he intended to depart from his private airstrip about 250 miles from the destination airport. During the departure roll, as the airplane became airborne, the main landing gear collided with a large rock on the left side of the strip. The pilot visually confirmed the damage of the left wheel fairing (torn off), but could not discern any other damage. The airplane operated normally and the pilot landed without further incident. After landing, the pilot noted that the left tire was flat and the left main landing gear was damaged, including the gear box.

In the section titled "RECOMMENDATION" in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that accident could have been prevented if he had ensured there were no rocks on the airstrip, and if he had maintained runway centerline. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.