Takeoff and Pre-Flight
The pilot first performed a full-stop takeoff and landing on a 2,100-foot-long turf runway. This was done to observe the winds and to refresh his familiarity with the airplane's operation. After landing, two passengers boarded the airplane for a local flight.
The Accident Takeoff
The pilot taxied the airplane back to the runway and prepared for a short field takeoff technique. The airplane lifted off the runway after approximately 900 feet of ground roll. During the climb, the pilot crabbed the airplane slightly to the right to compensate for a crosswind. When the airplane reached about 30 feet above the runway, the pilot leveled it and attempted to correct its lateral position toward the runway centerline.
Impact and Damage
At that moment, the airplane's nose landing gear impacted the ground. The airplane subsequently came to rest inverted. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the empennage.
Witness Reports
Witnesses reported to the pilot that the airplane's tail lifted as the wind changed to a quartering tailwind during the takeoff, just before the nose landing gear contacted the ground.