Accident Details
On August 24, 2013, about 1445 central daylight time, a Cessna 182A, registration N5131D, was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff and runway excursion from a private airstrip located near Concord, Wisconsin. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was not operated on a flight plan. The intended destination was Marion Airport (C17) in Marion, Iowa.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported attempting to depart from an 1,800-foot long turf runway. The grass was about 4 inches high, and the ambient temperature was about 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Takeoff acceleration was slow, and when the airplane did not lift off within 200 feet of the expected point, the pilot elected to abort the takeoff. Realizing he could not stop on the remaining runway, he intentionally veered left to avoid trees. The airplane encountered a soybean field and a small tree during the excursion, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and engine firewall.
The pilot stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions before the accident. The gross weight at the time was approximately 2,640 lbs., with a maximum certificated takeoff gross weight of 2,650 lbs. He commented that he should have more closely factored the effect of density altitude on the operation.
Aircraft Examination
A postaccident examination determined that the takeoff was performed with a 10-degree flap setting. The propeller control appeared extended about one-half inch from the full forward position. No anomalies were identified that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather
Weather recorded at Watertown Municipal Airport (RYV), about 10 miles northwest of the accident site, at 1415 included: wind from 160 degrees at 5 knots; 10 miles visibility; clear sky; temperature 27 degrees Celsius; dew point 18 degrees Celsius; and altimeter 30.22 inches of mercury. The airport elevation was 833 feet, with an associated density altitude of about 2,070 feet.
The airplane owner's handbook provided takeoff data for a hard surfaced runway with a 20-degree flap setting. From a hard surface runway at 2,500 feet and an ambient temperature of about 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) with calm wind, the expected ground roll was about 750 feet. However, takeoff data for a turf runway or a 10-degree flap setting was not available.