Accident Details
The pilot initiated a night takeoff from an airport situated on level terrain in a sparsely populated area. Shortly after departure, the aircraft collided with a group of trees located approximately one-third of a mile from the departure end of the runway and slightly left of the runway centerline. After striking the trees, the aircraft remained airborne for about 225 feet before crashing into a corn field.
An examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-existing mechanical problems.
Pilot Background
The pilot held an instrument rating and had last logged night flight experience approximately 16 months prior to the accident. He had completed a biennial flight review with a certified flight instructor two days before the accident. The CFI reported that during the review, the pilot demonstrated a tendency to make shallow climbs after takeoff. According to the CFI, who was acquainted with the pilot, this tendency had developed when the pilot previously owned an aircraft with poor climb performance.