Flight Sequence
The pilot initiated takeoff from a 4010-foot-long runway situated at an elevation of 5280 feet. The flight manual recommended a flap setting of 10 degrees for takeoff, but the pilot did not use this setting. According to the pilot, liftoff occurred at 90 knots, and he raised the landing gear. After the aircraft cleared nearby trees, the pilot observed that the airspeed remained at 90 knots. The aircraft then stopped climbing and subsequently struck a power line. Following the impact, the airplane settled to the ground with the landing gear extended. After touchdown, the gear collapsed, and the aircraft slid to a stop.
Aircraft Systems
The aircraft was equipped with a backup gear extension system. This system was designed to automatically extend the landing gear when the airspeed dropped below a certain threshold, unless the override function was selected. The automatic extension speed was 81 knots at sea level, increasing linearly to 100 knots at 10,000 feet.
Environmental Conditions
The density altitude at the airport was approximately 7000 feet at the time of the accident.