Accident Sequence
Following takeoff from Runway 14, the aircraft was observed climbing in a steep nose-high attitude at slow speed. A witness reported it reached an altitude of approximately 75 to 100 feet and maintained that altitude for about half a mile. The aircraft then descended, striking the tops of several trees, the roof of a house, and the ground. After coming to rest, the aircraft was severely damaged by fire.
Engine Performance
One witness reported that the engine sputtered at about the time the aircraft hit the treetops. Another witness indicated the engine was cutting out.
Investigation Findings
A teardown of the engine revealed a number of maintenance discrepancies. The magneto timing could not be confirmed due to fire damage, but the left magneto was adjusted within 1/16 inch of full up travel (in the adjustment slot), and the right magneto was within 1/8 inch of full down travel. There was no record of a magneto inspection in accordance with AD 78-09-07 or compliance with AD 82-20-01. The #3T spring was missing from the right magneto distributor block. Hydraulic tappets were of mixed parts, and one connecting rod was of a different weight and part number. The engine had 93 hours of flight time since major overhaul.
Operational Conditions
The density altitude was about 3,000 feet, and the aircraft had been loaded near its maximum weight limit.