Accident Overview
At an airport with a field elevation of 1,357 feet above mean sea level and a temperature of 23 degrees Celsius, a pilot loaded the airplane with passengers, luggage, and fuel to near its maximum gross weight. The pilot initiated a takeoff on a 2,986-foot-long runway that featured an approximate 500-foot displaced threshold on each end, a 0.6 percent uphill gradient, and obstructions in the form of trees off the departure end.
Takeoff and Abort
During the takeoff roll, the airplane failed to become airborne, prompting the pilot to abort the takeoff. The airplane traveled off the right side of the runway and was substantially damaged when it struck vegetation and terrain. The pilot and the three passengers were not injured.
Contributing Conditions
Review of airport security camera footage revealed that the pilot had initiated a rolling, zero flap takeoff from an intersection with approximately 200 feet of usable pavement behind him. Review of the weather conditions at the time of the accident indicated that the density altitude was 2,805 feet. Additional weather information and a Koch chart indicated that with the density altitude present, a 30 percent increase in takeoff distance should have been anticipated by the pilot, along with a 23 percent decrease in rate of climb.
Performance Information
The information manual for the airplane contained published performance information. When asked if he had checked the density altitude prior to takeoff, the pilot advised that he had not.
Damage and Injuries
The airplane sustained substantial damage during the accident. The pilot and three passengers were not injured.