Accident Overview
An aircraft configured with a temporary fuel system for a ferry flight to South Africa was involved in an accident shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was operating under special flight operations approval with a maximum gross weight limitation of 4,235 lbs. The calculated takeoff weight was 3,956 lbs.
Flight Details
The aircraft took off from runway 16. The wind was from approximately 240 degrees at 17 knots. Immediately after lift-off, the aircraft was observed flying just above the trees in a nose-high attitude. The pilot initiated a left turn of about 90 degrees toward a river, which was downslope from the departure area. The turn continued further left to align the flight path with the river. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a pole on a boat dock and subsequently crashed into the river.
Witness Account
One witness reported that after takeoff, the aircraft was "mushing" as the landing gear was being retracted. The witness then saw the pilot make a steep bank to the left, after which the aircraft descended below the treeline.
Investigation
Investigators found no evidence of preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft. The accident sequence and contributing environmental conditions were documented, but no specific cause was determined.