Accident Overview
The airplane impacted the terrain after a loss of control during the initial climb following takeoff from runway 05. The wreckage came to rest approximately 2,000 feet down the runway and 150 feet to the north. The pilot survived the accident but was unable to recall the events leading up to the impact.
Witness Reports
Witnesses reported hearing the airplane's engine power increase for takeoff. One witness stated that the airplane reached an altitude of about 75 feet above the runway before it veered to the left and struck the ground. Another witness reported that the engine sounded normal until it stopped immediately upon impact.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident inspection of the airframe and engine did not reveal any failures or malfunctions that would have resulted in the loss of control.
Background
The passenger, an 85-year-old individual who held a private pilot certificate without a current medical certificate, sustained fatal injuries in the accident. According to the airport manager, the pilot would occasionally take the passenger, who had been living in a nursing home after a series of strokes, for airplane rides around the local area. The manager noted that the passenger appeared confused at the airport prior to the flight. An autopsy report for the passenger stated that hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease complicated by an acute cerebral infarct (stroke) was contributory to the passenger's death.