Accident Sequence
The captain reported that the airplane felt sluggish during the takeoff roll. At V1/Vr, the airplane was rotated for liftoff. After becoming airborne, it climbed to an altitude of 10 feet, then shuddered and began to sink. The captain decided to abort the takeoff. He landed the airplane on the runway, applied brakes, and deployed the drag chute. The drag chute separated from the airplane. The airplane then went off the runway, down a hill, through a fence, across a road and grassy area, across another road, through a chain link fence, and collided with a power pole.
Crew Actions
The captain stated that the takeoff performance had been calculated using inappropriate tables, and that the effects of a wet runway and a wind shift were not considered.
Investigation Findings
Examination revealed that the drag chute riser fractured at a point where it passed through a lightning hole. The lightning hole bore no evidence of a nylon grommet having been installed.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as determined by the official investigation, was the captain's use of improper airplane performance data, resulting in inadequate takeoff capability. Factors were his decision to abort the takeoff above V1, the separation of the drag chute, a wet runway, a tailwind, and collision with objects that included two fences and a power pole.