Accident Overview
The aircraft was destroyed when it crashed at the airport after a turn of approximately 120 degrees. The turn was initiated to avoid 60-foot trees located at the departure edge of the airport. According to the pilot, the aircraft had been operating from grass adjacent to the airstrip because standing water was present on the runway. The takeoff run began about 500 feet from the start of the runway, on hay stubble adjacent to a hangar. The pilot stated that auto fuel was being used without a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) authorization.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that the aircraft seemed to stop climbing at about 50 feet above ground level (AGL) and that he believed he would not be able to clear the trees ahead. During the turn, the aircraft stalled and was subsequently landed, according to the pilot, with the throttle still fully open. The throttle was closed as the aircraft approached small trees and a hedgerow. The right wing struck these trees, causing the aircraft to swing right and come to a stop.
Elevator Trim Discovery
Later, the pilot stated that after the accident he found the elevator trim set almost all the way to the nose-down position. He remarked that this made him think the aircraft would not climb. The pilot added that the 200-pound aircraft owner had flown the aircraft on its last flight and, because the owner sat in the rear seat, had trimmed the aircraft nose-heavy.