Accident Overview
A pilot and a passenger were conducting a local flight practicing short field landings at multiple airports. After a full stop and taxi back on Runway 25, the pilot configured the airplane for a short field takeoff. Approximately 500 feet into the takeoff roll, the airplane became airborne with a high angle of attack. The pilot added full power, and the airplane abruptly yawed to the left. The pilot corrected with coordinated rudder and aileron.
Sequence of Events
As the airplane accelerated in ground effect, the right main landing gear touched down in a recently plowed field adjacent to the runway. The airplane then "skipped" three times on this surface. The pilot aborted the takeoff and touched down in the field. Upon contact, the nose gear separated, causing the airplane to flip and come to rest inverted.
Damage and Conditions
The empennage and wings of the airplane incurred substantial damage. The pilot did not report any mechanical abnormalities with the airplane prior to the accident.
Weather Information
Approximately 30 minutes before the accident, the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) at William H. Morse State Airport in Bennington, Vermont, located 11 nautical miles southeast of the accident airport, reported winds variable at four knots, with clear skies and unrestricted visibility.