Pilot Report
The pilot reported rotating between 65 and 70 KIAS, flying in ground effect, and then climbing to an altitude of approximately 50 to 75 feet. Subsequently, there was a "significant reduction in power" and the airplane "started gyrating wildly." The "right wing stalled and struck the runway along with the right main wheel." The airplane bounced, collapsing the nose wheel, and skidded to a halt on the side of the runway. The right wing was bent up about four feet inboard on the tip.
Witness Accounts
Six witness statements were received. One witness reported hearing an "unusual noise." Another witness heard the engine "misfire." The lineman who had been on duty on the morning of the accident reported witnessing the entire accident sequence. He stated that full power was developed as the airplane accelerated down the runway. At the 1,000-foot marker, the airplane lifted off and assumed "a very steep angle of attitude" (approximately 15 degrees or greater), and climbed to about 15 to 25 feet above the ground. The engine began surging; he described it as "not rhythmic and did not stop." The pilot leveled off and began a stabilized descent, as if making a forced landing, and then leveled off again. The airplane suddenly dipped to the left and pulled up to a "high angle of attitude." The airplane stalled and broke to the right and nosed into the ground.
Engine Examination
The engine was examined, and no anomalies were noted.