Accident Sequence
Following landing, the airplane's main fuel tanks were filled, and five people boarded. The airplane sat with the tail nearly touching the ground in a nose-high attitude. After takeoff, the airplane experienced difficulty climbing, appearing to "hang on the prop." It turned toward a left downwind, initially maintaining a nose-high attitude, then began a slow descent. The rate of altitude loss increased, the nose dropped through, and the airplane continued in a sliding left turn until it impacted terrain approximately one-half mile southwest of the airport. Witnesses reported hearing the engine "roaring" just before impact. Post-impact examination of the propeller revealed chordwise scratches, and rotational marks were found on the starter housing.
Aircraft Loading and Conditions
The estimated weight of the airplane at the time of the accident was approximately 10 pounds below maximum gross weight. Center of gravity calculations, based on several different baggage loading scenarios, ranged from 1.1 inches to 0.3 inches forward of the aft center of gravity limit. The ambient temperature was 81 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a density altitude of about 2,600 feet mean sea level.