Incident Description
Witnesses reported that the first takeoff attempt was aborted after the aircraft swerved left and right. On the second attempt, the aircraft lifted off approximately halfway down the runway. Immediately after lift-off, it rolled to the right, the right wing struck the ground, and the aircraft crashed.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed the rudder trim was set between 7.9 and 8.3 units (79% to 83%) nose right. Simulator tests conducted with that trim setting consistently resulted in the right wing colliding with the ground after liftoff.
Investigators determined that the crew's checklist referred to a mechanic's checklist for critical items to be checked before takeoff. However, the mechanic's checklist and 50 of the 54 flight instruments had been removed from the aircraft, leaving only two airspeed indicators, an altimeter, and a standby gyro horizon. In 60 simulated takeoffs conducted with this configuration, there was evidence of insufficient attitude reference to recognize the rolling of the aircraft before sufficient altitude was attained.
The pilot was not current and did not hold a valid medical certificate to fly the aircraft.
Regulatory Oversight Issues
The FAA's designated airworthiness representative (DAR) had inspected the aircraft three days before the accident and issued a ferry permit. However, the DAR lacked FAA mechanical certification and experience with large aircraft. FAA Order 8000.62 and Advisory Circular 183.33 contained no specific guidance for the selection, training, and oversight of DAR activity. Additionally, there was a lack of guidance concerning the minimum equipment list for such operations.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was improper preflight planning/preparation by the pilot and his failure to use a checklist. Factors related to the accident were: the FAA's inadequate surveillance of the operation, the FAA's insufficient standards/requirements, the pilot's operation of the aircraft with known deficiencies, and his lack of recent experience in the type of aircraft.