NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that, after taking off from an unimproved gravel surface in a field, he did not feel comfortable with the airplane's performance and aborted the departure. The airplane touchdown in a pasture, the nose landing gear dug into soft dirt and separated from the airplane. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper decision to abort the takeoff with insufficient runway remaining to safely stop the airplane.