Accident Overview
The airplane, operated as an instructional flight, impacted terrain during the initial climb over runway 33. The flaps were set at 20 degrees at the time of the accident. The airplane's Pilot's Operating Handbook specifies that flaps should be retracted for best angle and rate of climb.
Witness Observations and Damage
Witnesses observed the airplane descend into the ground in a nose-low attitude. The resulting damage and wreckage distribution were consistent with a stall.
Injuries and Harness Use
The flight instructor sustained a two-inch laceration above his left eye and reported head pain. He was not using his available shoulder harness during the flight.
Weight and Balance Information
The student pilot stated that a weight and balance was not performed for the flight. According to weight and balance information and reported weights, the airplane's takeoff weight exceeded the gross weight of the airplane.
Regulatory Guidance
The Aviation Instructor's Handbook states that a flight instructor must carefully observe all regulations and recognized safety practices during all flight operations, noting that such habits make the instructor more effective by encouraging students to develop similar habits.