Accident Details
The aircraft departed on a short flight to the pilot's home airport. According to a witness, the airplane climbed to approximately 100 feet before suddenly pitching nose-down. The airplane maintained this attitude until it impacted the runway.
Investigation
Post-accident examination of the airplane's control systems revealed no operational anomalies. However, investigators noted that the trim tab was set 10 degrees nose-down and the flaps were extended to 40 degrees. These control positions are inconsistent with the normal takeoff settings specified by the airplane manufacturer.
The pilot, aged 79, was the sole occupant of the aircraft.