Incident Overview
Nine members of a varsity basketball team boarded an aircraft without the pilot obtaining accurate passenger weights. The baggage was placed in the aft baggage compartment. As the pilot entered the cabin and was closing the door, the tail of the aircraft fell hard to the ramp. The pilot raised the tail and elected to continue the flight.
Flight Events
After reboarding, the pilot taxied to the runway and began the takeoff. As the aircraft was climbing through approximately 200 to 400 feet above ground level, the pilot announced there was a problem and asked the passengers to move forward. At that time, the nose of the aircraft was higher than normal and the stall warning horn sounded. The passengers moved as far forward as feasible and stayed there until after the aircraft was landed.
Post-Flight Findings
A post-flight examination of the aircraft revealed damage to a stringer, the rear bulkhead, the elevator control tube, and the housing for the tail navigation light. No ballast was installed in the forward baggage compartment. A recalculation of the aircraft's weight and balance, using the actual weights of the passengers, revealed the center of gravity was behind the aft limit.