Accident Details
According to the pilot, the departure was initiated from runway 17, which has a 500-foot displaced threshold. As the airplane accelerated, the right wheel entered a shallow pool of standing water on the runway surface. This caused the airplane to veer to the right. The aircraft continued off the runway into the grass, where it traveled down a slope and impacted the base of that slope.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the left canard (front wing) had fractured at its mid-span point. The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Airport Information
Examination of the standing water indicated it was approximately one inch deep. According to the airport manager, the water originates from a runoff stream that flows under the runway. A review of the airport's Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) and Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) showed that the presence of this standing water was not reported.