Accident Summary
A single-engine airplane, while performing a short-field takeoff from an 1,800-foot gravel surface, collided with treetops approximately 1,000 feet from the departure end of the runway. After the collision, the aircraft descended and impacted a lake, becoming submerged. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the stabilator.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the airplane's takeoff gross weight was 300 pounds less than the maximum allowable. He executed a short-field takeoff, and the initial climb proceeded as expected. However, the climb performance subsequently degraded and became insufficient to clear 80-foot-tall trees located near the departure end.
Aircraft Performance Guidelines
The manufacturer's Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) stated that for short-field takeoffs requiring obstacle clearance, the procedure after breaking ground is to accelerate to the best angle of climb speed (95 MPH) and climb past obstacles. The POH also indicated that the minimum runway distance required to take off over a 50-foot barrier was 1,360 feet, based on a hard surface runway. Additionally, the POH specified a soft-field obstacle clearance takeoff procedure using 25° flaps, accelerating just above the ground to best angle of climb speed, then continuing to climb while accelerating to best rate of climb speed (105 MPH) and slowly retracting flaps.
Outcome
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.