The pilot told investigators he was attempting a soft field takeoff from a grass/dirt runway in Port Bolivar, Texas, when the Cessna 182’s right elevator struck the ground.
The airplane veered to the right, and he applied corrective aileron and rudder control inputs while he continued the takeoff.
He did not hear or feel the impact of the elevator with the ground and continued the takeoff.
As the airplane approached the runway departure end, he pulled back on the control yoke to get the airplane airborne. He was unable to get the airplane airborne and it crashed into a saltwater canal at the departure end of the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine firewall, left wing, and right elevator.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to attain a proper soft field takeoff pitch attitude during takeoff that resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent impact with a canal.
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This May 2022 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
