NTSB Factual Report

The airplane sustained substantial damage after impacting a cornfield during takeoff from a grass airstrip. The pilot reported that he lifted the airplane off the grass airstrip, but was not able to clear the power lines so he flew under the wires. He lowered the nose of the airplane to gain airspeed. He reported that he attempted to clear a tree line, but the airplane settled into a cornfield. The pilot reported that the airplane did not experience a mechanical malfunction or failure.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning resulted in the pilot not attaining the proper takeoff climb and failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors included the transmission wires, the row of trees, and the field of corn.