Accident Description
The airplane was destroyed during a post-impact fire after it overran the end of the runway on departure.
Witness Accounts
A witness reported hearing the airplane on the runway with the engine at full power. The witness initially observed the aircraft airborne and thought it was landing, but it touched back down on the runway. The witness noted that the engine was making significant power when the tires began to skid. The witness then saw the airplane swerve to the right and skid off the right end of runway 11, sinking into trees and a ditch by highway 65. The witness estimated the aircraft's speed at 55 miles per hour at that time.
A second witness reported seeing the airplane losing control. Smoke was observed coming from the tires, accompanied by a screeching sound similar to locked brakes. After a few seconds, the braking ceased, and a skidding noise like metal on pavement was heard. The plane began to lean or tilt and then bounced and skipped before going over the end of the runway into trees.
Wreckage and Site Details
The aircraft came to rest in a ravine approximately 215 feet from the end of the runway. The accident site was about 47 feet below the runway elevation. Tire skid marks were visible beginning 929 feet from the end of the runway, initially near the runway centerline. The marks proceeded toward the right side of the runway, departing the pavement about 331 feet from the embankment at the runway end. After the marks left the pavement, a pair of ruts was observed in the grass leading to the taxiway apron adjacent to the runway. Skid marks crossed the apron and continued as ruts in the gravel area between the end of the taxiway pavement and the embankment.
Examination
A post-accident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies associated with a pre-impact failure.