Accident Summary
Witnesses observed a series of takeoffs and landings being performed at the airport. The pilot(s) operating the accident airplane, N8473P, landed on runway 22 and then taxied back to the approach end for another departure. During the subsequent takeoff, the pilot of an arriving airplane inquired about N8473P's location. The pilot(s) of N8473P responded that they were on the takeoff roll.
Witness Observations
After lifting off, the aircraft climbed to an estimated 100 feet above ground level. It then executed a sharp left bank before rolling to a wings-level attitude. Witnesses subsequently lost sight of the airplane due to obstructions. Smoke was observed, and emergency services were contacted. According to witnesses, the landing gear was retracted as the airplane began banking left.
Damage and Examination
The investigation revealed that N8473P first contacted the tops of two 25-foot-tall trees, then collided with a walkway canopy. Fire destroyed most of the right wing, the cockpit, and cabin, with slight fire damage noted to the left wing. Fire damage and browning of grass were observed forward of the right wing. No chemical or fire damage was evident on plants forward and beneath the initial impact point with the left wing inboard fuel tank, and no hydraulic rupture was found in the left wing fuel tanks.
An examination of the engine, flight controls, and airframe revealed no evidence of preimpact malfunction or failure. The fuel selector components exhibited impact damage, and the fuel selector was found positioned about 15 degrees to the right of the 'left' fuel tank position.