Accident Details
According to the powered-glider pilot, during takeoff he noticed a slower than usual acceleration but continued the departure. After lift-off, the glider exhibited a poor climb rate although the engine was running smoothly. Moments later, the glider stopped climbing, then descended and struck the roof of a building located about 800 feet southwest of the departure end of the runway. The glider came to rest upright after colliding with another structure and was consumed by a post-crash fire.
Pilot Actions
The pilot recalled that during the startup sequence, he was anxious to get back to his home base and that he had not used the checklist. He reported that he had taken off with the propeller in the cruise setting and the wing spoilers deployed.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.