Accident Overview
A pilot attempted a takeoff in an airplane that was loaded 238 pounds above its maximum gross weight of 3,833 pounds. The center of gravity (CG) was 3.3 inches aft of the aft CG limit.
Takeoff Sequence
During the takeoff roll, the airplane's nose lifted off the runway 10 knots below the recommended rotation speed for a no-flap takeoff. Witnesses observed the airplane in an unstable nose-high attitude before it settled back onto the runway. The airplane overran the departure end of the runway, struck a ditch, and came to rest.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and the horizontal stabilizer.
Pilot Information
The pilot reported having 1.8 hours of flight experience in the accident airplane make and model. No mechanical malfunctions with the airplane were reported that would have precluded normal operation.
Weight and Balance
The airplane exceeded its maximum gross weight by 238 pounds, and the CG was 3.3 inches aft of the rear limit. These conditions likely affected the airplane's takeoff performance and handling characteristics.