Accident Details
During a personal flight intended to obtain fuel at the destination airport, the airplane impacted trees and terrain during takeoff approximately 500 feet from the departure end of a private grass airstrip.
Damage and Injuries
The airplane sustained substantial damage: the wings were crushed rearward along the leading edge, the empennage separated from the airframe, and the firewall was wrinkled. The aircraft was not equipped with shoulder harnesses. The pilot sustained serious injuries including a broken right arm and left leg, while the passenger sustained serious facial and ankle injuries.
Fuel and Weight Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed there was no usable fuel in either wing tank or the header tank. Additionally, no residual fuel was found in the header tank to the engine fuel lines. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the airplane's center of gravity, with no usable fuel aboard, was aft of its limit.
Pilot Credentials
The pilot's flight review and medical certificate were expired at the time of the accident.