Accident Description
A pilot reported a loss of control shortly after takeoff, leading to a hard landing. According to the pilot, the takeoff roll was uneventful, with rotation at 85 knots and full engine power. At about 60 feet above ground, he retracted the landing gear. Shortly after, the airplane yawed once to the right and once to the left, then settled straight down, landing hard and flat before skidding some distance. The pilot stated that the engine was producing good power and that the aircraft was within the weight and balance envelope, with 105 gallons of fuel and two normal-sized adults on board besides himself.
Pilot Statement
The owner of the accident airplane reported observing the takeoff and later spoke with the pilot while he was in the hospital. The pilot told the owner that after rotating at about 50 feet, the flight controls became mushy, and he lost elevator and rudder control. The pilot did not mention any problems during the takeoff roll.
Witness Accounts
Multiple witnesses stated that they saw the airplane lift off near the fuel farm, approximately 1,100 feet from the runway start. As the airplane climbed, its wings began to rock increasingly, and it started porpoising. The witnesses noted that the landing gear had been retracted at that point. They stated that the airplane appeared to simply cease flying. The engine sounded normal, and the propeller was rotating throughout the takeoff.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector conducted a post-crash examination of the airplane's flight controls, which functioned normally with no anomalies detected. Another FAA inspector, along with technicians from Teledyne Continental Motors, performed a detailed inspection of the engine and accessories and found no anomalies. No mechanical or control issues were identified.