Accident Details
A pilot was conducting a training flight to a dirt strip located approximately 50 miles east of the departure point. After landing, the pilot decided to perform a short/soft field takeoff from the 3,600-foot-long runway. The pilot reported deploying 20 degrees of flaps for the takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft was unable to achieve more than 10 feet of altitude above the runway surface.
Impact and Sequence
As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the pilot observed two dirt berms, each approximately 3 to 4 feet in height. The pilot pulled back on the yoke, successfully clearing the first berm. However, the airplane then settled back down and struck the second berm. The impact caused the aircraft to nose over and come to rest inverted.
Aircraft Performance Information
According to the airplane's Pilot Operating Handbook (POH), soft or rough field takeoffs should be performed with no more than 10 degrees of flaps. Additionally, the density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be approximately 10,000 feet. This altitude is 2,000 feet above the maximum altitude listed in the takeoff performance charts included in the POH. The pilot reported no mechanical issues with the airplane prior to the accident.