CEN20CA052

Factual narrative

The private pilot and three passengers were attempting to depart from a 2,200 ft long turf runway. After lifting off the ground, the pilot observed the airplane not accelerating and it settled back to the ground. Concerned with clearing a shed off the end of the runway, the pilot aborted the takeoff and the airplane departed the runway into a valley, damaging both wings. The takeoff performance chart for the airplane, which weighed close to its maximum gross weight, predicted a ground roll of 600 ft and a takeoff distance of 1,600 ft. The chart was based on a dry runway and did not contain a correction for turf conditions. Following the accident, the pilot stated there were no mechanical issues with the airplane and that he should not have attempted to takeoff on the short turf runway. The pilot was attempting to depart from a 2,200-ft-long turf runway with three passengers onboard. After the airplane lifted off the ground, the pilot noted that it was not accelerating, and it settled back to the ground. Concerned with clearing a shed off the end of the runway, the pilot aborted the takeoff. Subsequently, the airplane departed the runway into a valley. Both wings sustained substantial damage. The takeoff performance chart for the airplane, which weighed close to its maximum gross weight, indicated a ground roll of 600 ft and a takeoff distance of 1,600 ft to clear a 50-ft obstacle. The chart was based on a dry runway and did not contain a correction for a takeoff from a turf runway, which would require a longer ground roll and takeoff distance. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and that he should not have attempted to takeoff from a short, turf runway. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Climb rate-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Aircraft capability-Maximum weight-Not specified - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Aircraft capability-Takeoff distance-Not specified - C
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - C
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface-Soft surface-Effect on operation - C
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface-Soft surface-Decision related to condition - C