Accident Sequence
During the takeoff ground run, witnesses reported that the engine sounded normal, but the airplane remained on the runway for an unusually long time. When the airplane finally lifted off near the end of the runway, the angle of attack increased above normal. The airplane continued to climb in this attitude, with the wings wagging up and down. The airplane reached an altitude of approximately 100 to 200 feet when the right wing and nose dropped toward the ground. The airplane collided with the ground about half a mile north of the airport in a nose-down, right-wing-low attitude. A post-crash fire ignited and consumed the airplane.
Post-Crash Examination
During a post-crash engine teardown, it was found that the number six cylinder could not hold compression. Further teardown revealed that a section of the cylinder around the exhaust seal was missing. Metallurgical examination revealed that the damage most likely occurred as a result of extremely lean operations, which led to detonation.
Pilot Actions
The pilot had recently purchased the airplane, which was equipped with a turbocharger, and was taught to lean the mixture for takeoff. The operator's manual states that for takeoff, the mixture should be set to full rich.