Accident Overview
A private airplane collided with terrain during initial climb from a private landing strip. The intended destination was the annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) fly-in at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The accident occurred at approximately 0310 local time.
Witness Account
An aural witness reported hearing what he described as a 'regular airplane engine.' He stated that the engine started racing and going very fast, after which he heard 'little pops.' He then saw the sky turn orange. Shortly after that, the town fire alarm sounded.
Pilot Background
The pilot of the accident airplane was a dentist who had worked all of the previous day. He then flew a four-hour flight and returned to the departure airport at about 2230. The accident flight began approximately 0310 the following morning.
Runway and Environment
The runway used was 1,700 feet long and 45 feet wide. A mature tree line crossed the extended centerline about 700 feet south of the runway. The airplane impacted approximately 360 feet southeast of the departure end of the runway. The flight path was over unlighted farmland, and the moon was below the horizon at the time of the accident. Night visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed.
Mechanical Examination
No mechanical defects were discovered in the airplane or powerplant.
Investigation Findings
The accident sequence involved a collision with terrain during initial climb from a private landing strip. No additional causal factors were identified in the source.