What happened
While taxiing to the runway for takeoff, the pilot was seen adjusting the ceiling-mounted elevator trim. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft's nose porpoised, causing the propeller to make contact with the runway. A witness reported seeing a cloud of debris created by the airplane during this phase of the takeoff roll, and multiple propeller slash marks were later identified on the runway.
After the aircraft became airborne, it performed a left turn and entered a steep nose-down dive. The flight ended when the aircraft impacted an orange tree nursery.
The investigation
Investigators examined the elevator trim and found it in the fully deflected position for nose-down trim. Additionally, the propeller blades showed abrasions on the cambered face at the tips, which had curled aft by 90 degrees.