Incident Narrative
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot requested clearance to return to the airport and land. Witnesses reported that the aircraft was having difficulty maintaining altitude and was flying with the nose moving up and down. The tower controller stated that the aircraft did not appear to get higher than 300 feet at any time.
Landing and Sequence of Events
The aircraft then landed hard approximately 500 feet from the approach end of the runway. It bounced high two more times before coming to rest inverted about 3,500 feet from the approach end and 300 feet to the right of the centerline on a parallel taxiway. Upon coming to rest, the aircraft burst into flames.
Aircraft Weight and Balance
The aircraft was about 435 pounds over maximum gross weight, and its center of gravity was 1.3 inches aft of the rear limit.