What happened
The pilot elected to use 10 degrees of flap configuration for the takeoff roll. The aircraft was loaded near its maximum weight limits given the existing conditions. Upon rotation, the aircraft became airborne and entered ground effect but failed to accelerate to a safe flying speed. This lack of airspeed necessitated an immediate forced landing in an adjacent soybean field.
The investigation
Post-landing examination revealed a critical discrepancy in the flap system. Although the flap selector was positioned in the 10-degree detent, the physical flaps were found fully extended at 40 degrees. This mismatch between the selected and actual flap settings contributed significantly to the inability to climb and accelerate.
Findings
The primary factor was the flap discrepancy, where the mechanical position did not match the pilot's selection. Combined with the heavy aircraft load, this resulted in excessive drag and insufficient lift during the critical takeoff phase.