Accident Sequence
The accident occurred after takeoff. While climbing through approximately 400 feet above ground level, the pilot transmitted, "...I just lost." Witnesses reported seeing smoke trailing from the airplane as it descended to just above the runway. The airplane then climbed to about 100 feet near the departure end of the runway and entered a left turn with a bank angle described by witnesses as at least 60 degrees. During the turn, the airplane descended, struck the ground nose first, came to rest inverted, and was consumed by fire.
Witness Reports
Accounts of the engine operation varied among witnesses. Some reported that the engine was running smoothly, while others described the engine sound as erratic.
Engine Test
A subsequent test run of the engine showed that it produced takeoff power, indicating normal operation under controlled conditions.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had accumulated 6.5 hours of flight time in the 12 months preceding the accident. The pilot received a checkout in the accident airplane in July 1995. According to the instructor who conducted the checkout flight, neither accelerated stalls nor simulated forced landings were performed during that checkout.