Incident Overview
During a biennial flight review (BFR) flight, the owner-pilot, considered the pilot-in-command, conducted a takeoff from runway 35 with a crosswind from the left. According to a certified flight instructor (CFI) and a witness, the takeoff was normal until shortly after lift-off, when the aircraft pitched up.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that he thought he had encountered a gust of wind that 'shoved' the aircraft to the right. Subsequently, the aircraft stalled and impacted the ground approximately 125 feet to the right of the runway. Evidence indicated that the aircraft struck the ground in a nose-down, right-wing-low attitude.
Occupant Restraints and Injuries
The front-seat pilot was secured with a shoulder harness. However, there was no shoulder harness available for the rear-seat occupant. During the impact, the rear-seat occupant struck his head on the front seat, resulting in a serious head injury.
Investigation Findings
The investigation noted that the aircraft stalled after lift-off and that the pilot perceived a gust of wind as a contributing factor to the loss of control. No probable cause was determined in the source material.