Incident Overview
A certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic served as pilot-in-command of an airplane on which he had been working. According to the owner, the mechanic was not authorized to fly the airplane. The pilot's brother provided an account of the event.
Witness Account
The pilot's brother stated that he had just disembarked from the airplane following a short flight. He observed the subsequent takeoff and reported that the airplane lifted off abruptly, nearly striking a metal marking stake. The airplane climbed briefly before entering a steep right bank, at which point the nose fell and the airplane crashed.
Background
The mechanic held an airframe and powerplant mechanic certificate but reportedly lacked permission from the airplane's owner to operate the aircraft. No further details regarding the aircraft or the circumstances leading up to the flight were provided.