Incident Overview
An airplane collided with a sign, stalled, and impacted terrain while attempting a takeoff from a residential street. The street was about 2,000 feet in total length with a cul-de-sac on each end.
Sequence of Events
Radar data showed that the airplane flew parallel to an airport runway about a mile to the west and then made a 630-degree turn (1 3/4 turns) over the accident area. The airplane landed toward the south on the road located in a housing development that was under construction and taxied back to the north until it reached a parked semi truck that was about 1,300 feet from the south end of the road. The airplane then turned around facing the south.
Witnesses said the airplane momentarily stopped, with the engine revving, then it began to roll down the road and subsequently became airborne. During the initial climb, the airplane's left wing impacted a sign, and as it approached a power line pole, the nose pitched up. About 40 to 60 feet above ground level the airplane stalled and nose-dived toward the terrain.
Examination
There was no evidence of pre-mishap mechanical malfunctions observed during the examination of the engine and airframe. According to friends of the pilot, he could not hear the stall warning horn due to a hearing impairment condition.