NTSB Factual Report

The pilot attempted a take off from a 2,300 foot long dry turf runway with a five knot crosswind from the right side. A witness stated the airplane never seemed to gain momentum, did not raise the tail during the take off, and "locked the brakes" at the last minute before hitting the fence at the end of the runway. The airplane then flipped over on its back causing substantial damage to the right wing, vertical fin, and rudder. The pilot suffered minor injuries and the second pilot was not injured. A post accident weight and balance calculation showed that the 575 pounds combined weight of the two front seat occupants placed the airplane outside the allowable forward center of gravity limit. A post accident performance planning calculation showed that with operations on grass/turf runway the takeoff distance would be approximately 2,299 feet with zero flaps, no wind, and with weight and balance within limits.

NTSB Probable Cause

The decision of the pilot to attempt operations outside the forward center of gravity limit. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's selection of an inadequate runway for the conditions.