What happened
The aircraft experienced a critical failure during the initial phase of flight at an airport. During the takeoff ground run, the pilot failed to properly position the elevator trim tab prior to initiating rotation. This configuration error resulted in a premature liftoff before the aircraft reached the appropriate airspeed for safe climb-out.
Upon lifting off, the lower empennage dragged along the runway surface. The aircraft recontacted the runway twice before finally passing beyond the end of the paved surface. Following this sequence, the aircraft collided with a powerline situated near the departure path. The impact with the powerline caused the aircraft to lose control and subsequently impact the terrain.
The investigation
Examination of the event focused on the pilot's actions during the takeoff roll. The investigation confirmed that the elevator trim tab was not set correctly before the ground run began. This mechanical oversight directly contributed to the abnormal pitch attitude during rotation.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the improper configuration of the aircraft prior to takeoff. Elevator trim misconfiguration prevented the pilot from achieving a safe rotation profile. The resulting premature liftoff led to ground contact and subsequent collision with obstacles.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure all flight controls, particularly trim settings, are verified and correctly positioned before beginning the takeoff roll. Proper pre-takeoff checks are essential to prevent configuration errors that can compromise safety during critical phases of flight.