Accident Details
Shortly after takeoff from Waco-Madison Cooper Airport, while climbing, the pilot encountered technical problems. He was cleared to return for an emergency landing, but a few seconds later, he lost control of the airplane. The aircraft crashed a few miles from the airfield and was destroyed. The pilot, who was the sole occupant on board, sustained serious injuries.
Investigation
The official investigation determined that the pilot failed to maintain flying speed during initial climb. Additional factors reported include inadequate preflight preparation, an improperly loaded aircraft and center of gravity (CofG), and the pilot's report after takeoff that he would have to return and land. The CofG was found to be 3.38 inches aft of the rear limit.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed during initial climb. The contributing factors as reported were inadequate preflight preparation, an improperly loaded aircraft and center of gravity, and the pilot's decision to return after takeoff.