Accident Details
The flight instructor and student pilot executed a takeoff. The airplane's climb attitude appeared flat and the rate of climb was slow. Witnesses observed the airplane make a steep left turn, then spiral into trees and the ground. One witness reported hearing the engine cut out briefly, while another reported hearing the engine rev up. The wreckage was discovered in an approximate 90-degree nose-down attitude, and a fuel odor was present.
Witness Accounts
A witness on the ground observed the airplane make a steep left turn, then spiral into trees and the ground. The same witness reported hearing the engine cut out briefly. Another witness reported hearing the engine rev up. The wreckage was found in an approximate 90-degree nose-down attitude, and a fuel odor was present.
Weight and Balance
The airplane's empty weight was 761 pounds, and its maximum gross weight was 1,260 pounds. The certificated flight instructor weighed 200 pounds, the student pilot weighed 270 pounds, and the airplane had about 42 pounds of fuel. This resulted in a calculated gross weight of 1,293 pounds.
Examination
Examination of the airplane and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction.