Introduction
On February 16, 2020, at approximately 1502 central standard time, a Cessna 170 airplane, registration N170RH, impacted terrain during takeoff from runway 17 at High Point Airport (3KS5), located near Valley Center, Kansas. The airplane was operated by a private individual under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight was originating from the airport at the time of the accident.
Accident Sequence
The pilot, an airline transport pilot, conducted a preflight inspection and determined that the weight and balance of the airplane was within the manufacturer's limits. The runway was a grass surface, which the pilot described as "wet, but a solid surface." The windsock indicated winds from 160° at about 8 knots. With over 2,200 feet of runway available and a slight downhill gradient, the pilot deemed the available runway length adequate. He held the brakes and let the airplane reach maximum power before releasing them.
During the takeoff ground run, the pilot estimated the distance traveled was about 1,400 feet, which was approximately 70% more than the owner's manual performance value for a normal takeoff on a level, paved runway with no wind. With about 500 feet of runway remaining, the airplane was indicating 60+ mph. The pilot considered aborting the takeoff but determined it was not safe due to a road that ran perpendicular to the end of the runway. He continued to accelerate and rotated at the end of the runway.
Upon rotation, the aircraft abruptly pitched up, and the pilot lowered the nose. The aircraft began sinking and was not accelerating. The pilot decided to land straight ahead in an open field. After touchdown, the right-side spring landing gear broke, and the spring leg dug into the ground. The airplane subsequently rotated, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the takeoff and that the airplane had accelerated normally. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and the three passengers were uninjured.