Accident Sequence
During the takeoff roll, the airplane lifted off into an extremely steep climb. Witnesses described the aircraft as appearing "kind of tippy." It then began a left turn, not very high off the ground, with the wings dipping back and forth. One witness reported that the pilot appeared to attempt a recovery but seemed to overcorrect and pull up too fast. The airplane then pitched downward toward the left and entered a spin to the right before impacting the ground in a nose-low, left-wing-low attitude.
Occupant Background
According to local authorities, the three occupants had been on a weekend hunting trip the night before the accident flight. Ticket stubs indicated they departed by bus at approximately 0300 and arrived at a family member's residence around 0630. After about six hours of rest, the 200-hour pilot reserved the airplane for an unplanned flight from a flight school.
Runway and Operations
Witnesses observed the airplane taxi to runway 17. Runway 35 had been the active runway during an airshow that had just concluded.
Aircraft Examination
Flight control continuity was established throughout the airplane at the accident site. No mechanical anomalies were noted with the engine or airframe. No radio headsets, charts, flight gear, or logbooks were located within the wreckage. The airplane was found to be within weight and balance limits.