Accident Summary
A pilot attempted to take off from a 2,300-foot-long dry turf runway. A five-knot crosswind was blowing from the right side. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft did not achieve normal acceleration. Witnesses observed that the airplane never seemed to gain momentum and did not raise the tail during the takeoff. At the last moment before reaching the end of the runway, the pilot "locked the brakes." The aircraft subsequently struck a fence, flipped over onto its back, and came to rest inverted.
Damage and Injuries
The accident caused substantial damage to the right wing, vertical fin, and rudder. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the second pilot was not injured.
Post-Accident Calculations
A post-accident weight and balance calculation determined that the combined weight of the two front seat occupants was 575 pounds, which placed the aircraft outside the allowable forward center of gravity limit. Additionally, a post-accident performance planning calculation indicated that, for operations on a grass/turf runway with zero flaps and no wind, and assuming weight and balance within limits, the required takeoff distance would be approximately 2,299 feet.