Preliminary Events
The airplane conducted a high-speed taxi along the full length of runway 15 before returning to the ramp. During this time, the engine remained operational while additional checks and visual inspections were performed. Subsequently, a second attempt was made to continue the training flight.
Departure and Witness Observations
A witness reported observing the airplane as it departed. It lifted off the runway near the first taxiway intersection. The witness noted that the airplane appeared to be in a pronounced nose-high attitude and was "mushing along" the entire length of the runway while slowly gaining altitude. Other witnesses observed that the airplane managed to attain an altitude between 150 and 200 feet above the ground.
Mayday Call and Impact
After reaching that altitude, the nose of the airplane pitched up, followed by an abrupt right bank. The airplane then assumed a near vertical nose-down attitude before impacting the ground. A witness who was in the traffic pattern at the airport reported hearing a mayday call from the accident airplane. The call stated, "mayday, mayday, we've lost power, we're going down."
Post-Accident Examination
At the accident site, flight and engine control continuity was established. No anomalies were found with the engine that could have prevented normal flight. The airplane was found to be within weight and balance limits. The density altitude was calculated by the investigator in charge at 2,732 feet.