Aircraft Crashes Shortly After Takeoff (N6103Y)

Accident Sequence

Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft veered to the left, losing altitude, and suddenly flipped to the left, crashing in a steep left bank approximately half a mile from the airport. Witnesses reported that the landing gear was in the down position. An airline pilot who observed the flight noted that the aircraft appeared to be in difficulty after takeoff, as it began to porpoise. The gear was apparently not retracted while the pilot fought the aircraft and initiated a left turn. The witness observed the aircraft turn completely upside down, point nearly straight down, and explode on contact with the ground. One witness reported that the left engine was on fire and smoke was visible. The maximum altitude attained by the aircraft was estimated to be 55 feet.

Post-Accident Examination

The post-accident examination revealed no evidence of power plant failure or malfunction.