N3933S

On June 10, 1998, at 1530 central daylight time, a Cessna 172E, N3933S, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during an aborted takeoff from runway 36 (2600', 75', dry, grass) at the Demotte Airport, near Demotte, Indiana. During the aborted takeoff the aircraft exited the end of the runway and impacted the rising terrain. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident with the intended destination of Daviess County Airport, near Washington, Indiana.

According to the pilot's written statement, the pilot attempted a short field takeoff on runway 18 but aborted the takeoff when it became aware that the aircraft would not clear electric lines that were at the south end of the airport. The pilot stated that he taxied the aircraft to the end of the field and positioned the aircraft for a second takeoff, this time on runway 36. The pilot stated that he used a soft field takeoff technique for the second takeoff attempt. The pilot stated that the aircraft did not rotate at a point that was needed to clear a tree line that was north of the airport. The pilot aborted the takeoff and applied the brakes. The pilot stated that the last 1/4 of the runway had just been mowed and tire traction was reduced substantially. The aircraft slid off the end of the runway and impacted a 2.5' tall dirt pile.

Post accident investigation showed that the aircraft was within weight and balance limitations, as stated in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) and the aircraft's weight and balance data sheet. Takeoff performance figures were calculated using the POH, using the weather conditions on the occurrence date, and were to be found to be within stated limitations. No engine or aircraft anomalies were found with the aircraft in question.