Incident Overview
A tailwheel airplane operating near its maximum gross weight experienced a loss of acceleration after liftoff from a private airstrip, resulting in a nose-over during an attempted landing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.
Pre-Departure Calculations
The pilot had prepared for departure from runway 18, a 1,530-foot long turf runway. Takeoff performance calculations indicated a total distance of 1,429 feet to clear a 50-foot obstacle. These calculations included adjustments for an up-sloping runway, grass taller than 4 inches, soft terrain, and no headwind component.
Departure and Climb
During the takeoff roll, the engine developed rated power as expected. However, the airplane lifted off slightly further down the runway than the pilot anticipated and seemed to stop accelerating while in a flat climb attitude. The pilot observed that the wind at departure time was from the south to southwest at 5 to 10 knots.
Go-Around and Nose-Over
Due to obstacles at the end of the runway, the pilot reduced power and performed an "aggressive" wheel landing in an attempt to stop on the remaining runway. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted on the grass runway.
Post-Accident Observations
An examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the forward fuselage and vertical stabilizer. The recorded wind at an airport located approximately 15 miles from the accident site, about 25 minutes prior to the accident, was from 260 degrees at 8 knots, gusting to 14 knots. The pilot added that after the accident, he noticed the wind had shifted from south to north.