What happened
The aircraft was involved in an accident while attempting a short field takeoff. According to the pilot's account, the takeoff configuration included ten degrees of flap extension. Shortly after initiating the takeoff roll, the aircraft began to yaw to the left.
In response to the deviation, the pilot attempted to regain control by lowering the nose of the aircraft. Despite these corrective actions, directional control was not maintained. The aircraft executed a sharp turn of approximately 100 degrees before impacting the terrain. The collision with the ground occurred at an altitude estimated between 15 and 20 feet above ground level.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the loss of control during the initial climb phase. Examination of the pilot's statements provided insight into the configuration settings used, specifically the flap setting and the subsequent control inputs applied when yaw was detected.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the loss of directional control during the critical takeoff phase. The sequence of events indicates that the aircraft yawed left immediately after takeoff initiation. Although the pilot attempted to correct the attitude by lowering the nose, the corrective measures were insufficient to prevent a sharp turn and subsequent ground impact at low altitude.
Safety message
Pilots should ensure that directional control is maintained during short field takeoffs, particularly when utilizing flap settings that may affect yaw characteristics. Immediate and appropriate correction is essential to prevent loss of control in the early stages of flight.