What happened
After landing on runway 22, the pilot of N847 and N8473P taxied back to the approach end of the runway to perform another takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the pilot was in communication with an arriving aircraft, noting their position on the runway. Following lift-off, the pilot transmitted a request for space to maneuver, stating, "give us some room to turn this thing around."
The aircraft climbed to approximately 100 feet above ground level and performed a sharp left bank before rolling to a wings-level attitude. During this maneuver, witnesses noted that the landing gear had been retracted. The aircraft then struck the tops of two 25-foot trees and subsequently collided with a walkway canopy. Following the collision, smoke was observed, and emergency services were notified via 911. A fire occurred at the scene, destroying much of the cockpit, the cabin, and the right wing, with minor fire damage noted on the left wing.
The investigation
An examination of the engine, flight controls, and airframe showed no evidence of any malfunction or failure occurring prior to the impact. Investigators found that the fuel selector components had sustained damage from the collision. Notably, the fuel selector was found positioned approximately 15 degrees to the right of the position for the left fuel tank. While fire damage and scorched grass were observed forward of the right wing, no chemical or fire-related damage was found on plants located beneath or forward of the initial impact point involving the left wing inboard fuel tank. No hydraulic rupture was identified in the left wing fuel tanks.