Accident Summary
The aircraft was fueled with 63 gallons of fuel from a self-service fuel pump before departure. The pilot initiated the takeoff roll on runway 30 with a 10-knot tailwind. The airplane used the entire 3,000-foot runway during the takeoff roll. After becoming airborne, it reached an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL), then entered a descent and impacted the ground. A post-accident fire consumed the airplane.
Pilot Statement
Immediately following the accident, the pilot reported to local authorities that "he was leaving the airstrip and the plane stalled due to lack of airspeed."
Environmental Conditions
The runway rose rapidly at its north end, with the departure end of runway 30 being 50 feet higher than the approach end. At the time of the accident, the wind was from 130 degrees at 10 knots, and the density altitude was 4,136 feet.
Engine Examination
Examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded its operation prior to the accident.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause, as stated in the investigation report, is: "The pilot's failure to obtain airspeed after rotation, which resulted in a stall/mush. Contributing factors were the tailwind condition, high density altitude, and upsloping runway."