Incident Overview
A witness who hand-propped an aircraft to start observed it climb at approximately a 70-degree angle after takeoff. The aircraft then stalled and dove nose-first into the ground, with engine sounds remaining constant throughout the flight.
Post-Accident Observations
The witness ran to the aircraft and noticed that the aft control stick was tied in the full aft position by the rear seat belt. The pilot confirmed this condition.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that she had conducted an incomplete preflight inspection, including omitting takeoff and control movement checks. She attributed the oversight to being distracted by another taxiing aircraft and hurrying her departure to avoid delaying that aircraft.
Findings
The aircraft was hand-propped for start and taxied directly to takeoff. The tied control stick prevented proper pitch control, contributing to the steep climb and subsequent stall. No other factors were reported.