Accident Overview
A student pilot operating a solo flight from Roosterville Airport in Liberty, Missouri, was involved in an accident after departing from Runway 18. The runway, measuring 2,925 feet in length and 20 feet in width, was asphalt and dry. The aircraft had been refueled prior to the flight, and the student pilot's instructor reported that a run-up had been completed.
Witness Account
A witness stationed at the west end of the runway observed the aircraft with its nose extremely high, estimated at 45 to 50 degrees, moving slowly down the runway. The wings were tipping from side to side. The witness reported that the aircraft's tail scraped the runway, after which the wheels made contact, causing the aircraft to bounce into the air in a nose-high attitude while continuing to tip side to side. A second bounce occurred, and the aircraft moved toward the right side of the runway. The witness lost sight of the aircraft behind trees but heard a crash. Upon approaching the accident site, the witness found broken trees and a left stabilizer protruding from water approximately 40 feet from the shore.
Aircraft and Runway Details
Runway 18 at Roosterville Airport is an asphalt surface measuring 2,925 feet by 20 feet and was reported dry at the time of the accident. The aircraft's flaps were found in the 0-degree position. Inspection of the runway revealed two scrapings within the asphalt.
Inspection Findings
Post-accident examination established continuity of the elevator flight controls and the engine. The presence of the left stabilizer in the water and broken trees indicated the aircraft impacted the area near the water's edge.