Accident Details
On October 14, 2021, at about 1600 Pacific daylight time, a WSK Mielec AN-2TD, registration N857PF, was substantially damaged when it crashed near Wilton, California. The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries, while two other passengers received minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
According to the pilot, he configured the airplane for takeoff with flaps down and elevator trim neutral. The departure proceeded normally initially, but after becoming airborne, the controls did not respond as expected. The airplane continued to pitch up into a nose-high attitude, and the pilot could not push the control yoke forward, describing the resistance as feeling like “stretching” cables. He set the electric trim to full nose-down, but it had no effect. Unable to control the pitch, he spotted an open area and executed a rapid maneuver, applying full left rudder and aileron, causing the airplane to bank left. The airplane descended into trees and, after coming to a stop, a fire erupted. The back door could not be opened due to airframe deformation, so the pilot broke a front window, and all occupants exited through it. The airplane continued to burn.
Witness Observations
Two witnesses at the airport recorded videos of the airplane departing. One video showed the airplane just before the takeoff roll, with the tailwheel positioned backward. As the airplane began rolling, the tailwheel swiveled and the airplane moved to the right of the runway, then veered left before becoming airborne shortly thereafter. Over approximately 10 seconds, the airplane pitched up at an increasingly higher angle of attack, then made a sharp left turn and descended behind trees.
Video Analysis
Ground track, ground speed, altitude, angle of attack, and roll angle were estimated from a handheld phone video. The ground speed dropped as low as 19 knots shortly after the airplane began a left turn and rapid descent toward impact. At that time, the airplane reached its maximum above-ground-level altitude of 170 feet, with an estimated wing angle of attack of 22.5°.
Engine Examination
Engine speed was estimated via spectrum analysis of sound from two cameras. It was 2150 rpm several seconds after liftoff and 2200 rpm when the airplane was descending toward ground impact. The specified engine speed at takeoff for the WSK Mielec AN-2TD is 2200 rpm.
Postaccident Inspection
A postaccident examination of the flight control system found no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. The elevator system was extensively damaged and partially consumed by fire. The No. 5 lower pulley gang was found loose in the wreckage with its cover attached; the No. 5 upper pulley gang had elevator cables passing through it. The No. 9 pulley gang had an s-hook attached, appearing to be a tie-down for an item in the airplane. Several cable lengths showed markings and abrasions consistent with rubbing. The elevator bellcrank remained intact with all four elevator cables connected to their respective arms, and control continuity was maintained from the bellcrank to the elevator control surfaces.
Weight and Balance
The airplane’s weight and center of gravity could not be confirmed. The burned remains of items in the airplane could not be identified, and their location at impact could not be determined. The pilot estimated the airplane was loaded about 1,000 pounds below maximum gross weight, with two coolers, three motorcycles, and camping gear. He reported that all items were strapped in place and did not shift during rotation.