Accident Details
An aircraft carrying four occupants crashed after departing from a 2,930-foot-long runway. Witnesses reported that the engine sounded normal during the takeoff roll, but the aircraft did not become airborne until between 2,200 and 2,700 feet down the runway. After liftoff, the aircraft climbed no higher than 100 to 150 feet above ground level before disappearing from view about one mile from the runway.
Departure and Collision
A pilot landing another aircraft observed the accident airplane execute a left turn of approximately 80 degrees during a low and slow departure. The aircraft subsequently struck trees about 1.5 miles from the departure end of the runway, left of the runway centerline.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any preimpact malfunction or failure. The aircraft's weight at takeoff was estimated to be 2,334 lbs, though the exact weight was not determined.
Pilot Background
Relatives and acquaintances of the pilot could not recall the pilot having previously operated the aircraft with four adults on board. The reported weather conditions included a light wind from the west and a temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit.