Accident Details
A pilot reported an accident that occurred during takeoff. According to the pilot, after the tail wheel lifted off, the airplane would not climb out of ground effect. He stated that he used all of the available runway length and did not reduce power in time to abort the takeoff. The airplane subsequently departed the runway surface into rough terrain.
Damage
The impact with terrain resulted in substantial damage to the rudder, horizontal stabilizer, and both elevators.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. He indicated that he was based at a sea level airport and did not take into account the high density altitude (8,600 feet), which affected the airplane’s performance.