Accident Overview
A pilot reported an accident during a soft/short field takeoff from a grass/gravel airstrip. The field elevation of the airport is 7,554 feet, and the runway is 3,700 feet long.
Takeoff and Loss of Lift
The pilot set the brakes, advanced the engine power, and began the takeoff. The airplane lifted off at approximately 60–62 miles per hour. The pilot kept the airplane in ground effect to gain airspeed. About 1,200 feet prior to the departure end, the runway sloped down 20 to 25 feet. Upon reaching the downslope, the airplane lost lift as if it encountered a downdraft.
Overcorrection and Stall
The pilot reported he overcorrected for the loss of lift, and the airplane stalled. The left wing contacted the runway, followed by the landing gear and the right wing. The nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to a stop.
Post-Impact Fire
The pilot was able to exit the airplane before it was destroyed by a post-impact fire. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical failure or malfunction of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.