The surface of the 795 metre strip was covered in long grass. The pilot noted that acceleration for takeoff was less than normal, and the aircraft took about 400 metres to achieve a speed of 45 knots. At this point, the pilot considered that he was committed to takeoff, and towards the end of the strip he attempted to force the aircraft into the air. The aircraft struck an embankment at the end of the strip, crossed a road, and collided with a fence before coming to rest about 200 metres further on. Calculations made from the appropriate performance charts indicated that 800 metres was required for take-off under the existing conditions. Another strip with a usable length of 850 metres was parallel to the one selected. The pilot had evidently not realised that the rate of acceleration was lower than expected until there was insufficient strip length remaining to safely abandon the takeoff attempt.
