Accident Overview
The airplane was destroyed by impact with terrain and subsequent fire following a loss of control during climbout. The pilot and two passengers sustained fatal injuries.
Witness Observations
A witness reported observing the airplane taxi and take off with flaps extended, describing it as appearing to be a short field takeoff. The airplane did not seem to gain normal altitude and maintained a climb attitude that was not steep, with flaps remaining deployed. The witness estimated the airplane traveled about 1 mile before making a left turn. During the downwind leg, the airplane still appeared to not gain altitude and was approximately 1½ tree lengths above the trees. The witness's line of vision was then obscured by a tree, and they heard the crash. The witness could not remember if the engine was running at impact and stated that during initial climb, the airplane operator called over Unicom for the pilot to raise the flaps, but no response was received, and the flaps apparently never went up.
Another witness stated that the airplane crashed and looked as if it stalled, then pitched nose down and left. The airplane sounded at full power until the sound of the crash.
On-Scene Findings
The airplane was found impacting terrain at approximately 80 degrees pitch down. An on-scene investigation revealed flight control continuity and engine continuity. The engine exhibited thumb compression at all cylinders. The flap jackscrew was recovered and exhibited 5.9 inches of thread extension, corresponding to 40 degrees of flap extension.