N1979C

On July 27, 2003, about 0745 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 170B, N1979C, sustained substantial damage during an aborted takeoff and subsequent runway overrun at the Schafer Airport (8U2), Schafer, Montana. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal cross-country flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The pilot's planned destination was Helena, Montana.

In a written report, the pilot reported that he aborted the takeoff roll because he determined that the aircraft was not generating sufficient lift to execute a safe takeoff and clear obstacles located at the end of the runway. He reported that he applied heavy braking, however, the airplane skidded off the departure end of the runway, through a fence, and down an embankment.

The Schafer Airport is located at an elevation of 4,933 feet above mean sea level, and has a single turf runway (07/25), which is 3,200 feet long and 60 feet wide.

The pilot reported that the turf runway was damp at the time of the accident. He also reported that he aborted the takeoff approximately halfway down the runway.