Incident Summary
A pilot conducted a takeoff with the airplane at gross weight, flaps up, and engine set for maximum power. The airplane accelerated and lifted off at approximately 65 to 70 mph. It climbed a few hundred feet before the pilot lowered the nose to accelerate to normal climb speed (90 to 100 mph). The airplane then stopped climbing and could not accelerate beyond 80 mph.
Sequence of Events
While attempting to maintain altitude, the airplane decelerated to 70 mph even though the engine remained at full power. With insufficient runway remaining for a landing, the pilot made a shallow right turn toward lower terrain and subsequently performed a hard landing in a field.
The investigation noted that the pilot likely allowed the airplane to climb out of ground effect before establishing a proper pitch attitude and airspeed for the climb. This resulted in the airplane inadvertently entering a region of reversed command at low altitude. In this state, the airplane may be incapable of climbing and requires either more engine power or a further lowering of the nose to increase airspeed. Because engine power was already at its maximum and the airplane was at low altitude, the pilot was unable to take remedial action to fly out of the region of reversed command.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is the pilot's failure to establish the proper pitch attitude and airspeed during takeoff with the engine at maximum power, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane's climb performance capability.