Event Details
A pilot reported that during a soft field takeoff from a private grass airstrip, he applied slight aft pressure on the yoke to lighten the load on the nose wheel. The airplane became airborne, but while still in ground effect, the left wing dropped approximately 10 degrees. The left main landing gear subsequently contacted the runway. The airplane then settled back onto the ground, pointing about 30 degrees left of the runway heading. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and ground-looped to the left, causing the left landing gear to collapse. The airplane slid backward and came to rest upright in a cotton field adjacent to the airstrip.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both ailerons. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The weight and balance calculations were within the operational limitations of the Pilot's Operating Handbook.
Weather Information
The automated weather observation system at an airport 18 nautical miles south reported, about 17 minutes before the accident, wind from 090 degrees at 5 knots. Another automated weather observation station at an airport 22 nautical miles southeast reported, about 14 minutes before the accident, wind from 110 degrees at 3 knots. The airplane departed runway 26.