NTSB Factual Report

The pilot stated that he and his passenger were conducting a local flight to practice short field landings at multiple airports. After completing a full stop and taxi back on Runway 25, the pilot configured the airplane for a short field takeoff. About 500 feet into the takeoff roll, the airplane became airborne with a high angle of attack. The pilot added full power, which the airplane abruptly yawed to the left. The pilot corrected with coordinated rudder and aileron. As the airplane accelerated in ground effect, the right main gear touched down in a recently plowed field adjacent to the runway. The airplane “skipped” three times on this surface; the pilot aborted the takeoff and touched down in the field. The nose gear separated on contact, causing the airplane to flip and came to rest inverted. The empennage and wings of the airplane incurred substantial damage. The 1254, about 30 minute prior to the accident, Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) at the William H. Morse State Airport, Bennington, Vermont, located 11 nautical miles to the southeast of the accident airport, reported winds for the area were variable at four knots, with clear skies and unrestricted visibility. The pilot did not report any mechanical abnormalities with the airplane prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff.