Accident Details
According to witnesses, the takeoff roll commenced approximately 2000 feet from the departure end of a 2300-foot sod runway. The aircraft lifted off from a three-point attitude and climbed at a high angle of attack, described as "mushing along" until it dropped off on the right wing and impacted the ground about 300 feet beyond the departure end of the runway.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage disclosed that the stabilizer trim was set to two-thirds of its full nose-up travel.
Performance Considerations
Performance calculations indicated that 2100 feet of runway is required to clear a 50-foot obstacle from a level, dry, paved runway.
Pilot Information
The pilot in command was a former naval aviator who had been an airline pilot since 1967. However, during that entire period, he served as a B-727 flight engineer. The owner of the aircraft, registration N7372K, estimated that the pilot had flown the aircraft for about 50 hours during the preceding few months.