Sequence of Events
The private pilot initially reported that the airplane rotated about one-third of the way down the runway. In a subsequent statement, he said rotation was delayed until near the end of the runway. After the initial takeoff climb, the pilot stated that the autopilot unexpectedly engaged, causing the airplane to enter a climbing turn to the right. He manually overpowered the autopilot, after which the aircraft stalled and rotated to the left before impacting tree tops and coming to rest in a wings-level, nose-low attitude. The pilot noted that he did not respond to the situation immediately because he was stunned by what was happening. He also mentioned that he did not observe the autopilot light and did not think to disengage the autopilot.
Passenger Account
The right-seat passenger, a commercially rated pilot, stated that he was certain the aircraft became airborne shortly after crossing a road that bisects the runway approximately one-third of the way down the airstrip. He reported hearing the stall warning sound intermittently for 3 to 4 seconds, then stopping for 2 to 3 seconds, and then beginning to sound continuously. At that point, the passenger observed a definitive nose-up attitude as he watched the airspeed decrease. The aural stall warning continued for about 8 to 10 seconds before the right wing dropped. He then observed the pilot pull back on the control yoke. The aircraft subsequently drifted to the left before the left wing began impacting trees. The passenger also said he was unsure whether the pilot had inadvertently engaged the autopilot after takeoff.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the autopilot system components was conducted by an FAA inspector and the autopilot manufacturer. The examination did not disclose any evidence of malfunctions or abnormal autopilot operation.