Background
The pilot, who was not instrument rated, initiated a takeoff during darkness under visual meteorological conditions. The pilot had been treated for glaucoma and had been denied a third-class medical certificate on January 31, 1984, pending an eye evaluation.
Takeoff and Landing Light Failure
During the takeoff roll at approximately 65 to 75 knots, just prior to rotation, the landing light extinguished. About two to three seconds later, the pilot rotated the aircraft. Due to the long nose of the aircraft, the pilot lost sight of the runway lights. He then checked the instruments to maintain a proper climb attitude.
Accident Sequence
The pilot's father observed the aircraft entering a left turn after lift-off, after which he lost sight of the airplane. The only surviving passenger stated that the engine sound remained constant, but the aircraft veered left after lift-off. Shortly thereafter, the left wing struck the top of a tall tree. Moments later, the aircraft collided with additional trees, crashed, and burned. The initial impact occurred on a heading of 030 degrees, approximately 500 feet left of the runway.
Investigation
No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found. The airport elevation was 2,857 feet, and the crash site elevation was approximately 2,400 feet.