Flight Details
The pilot and a passenger were traveling to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to attend the Experimental Aircraft Association annual meeting, where they planned to camp in tents. The pilot departed from his home earlier that morning and flew to the Mid-Florida Airport to pick up the passenger. After arriving, the pilot told witnesses that during the flight, the airplane's center of gravity was aft, requiring substantial forward trim to maintain level flight.
Loading
The pilot and passenger hurriedly loaded the passenger's baggage without weighing it. They then attempted to depart.
Takeoff and Accident Sequence
The takeoff roll was longer than normal. After lifting off, the airplane climbed to about 300 feet. It then began a right turn, followed by a left bank that continued to steepen. Subsequently, the airplane entered a steep descent and crashed into a lake.
Weight and Balance
Post-accident weight and balance calculations revealed that the airplane's gross weight was 2,765 pounds, which exceeded its maximum certificated takeoff gross weight of 2,757.5 pounds. The center of gravity was calculated at 85.4 inches, beyond the aft limit of 85.1 inches for that weight.