What happened
During an airport appreciation event, an aircraft experienced a loss of directional control during its takeoff roll. As the aircraft began its movement down the runway, it drifted toward the left side of the pavement. Despite the deviation, the plane achieved lift-off approximately halfway down the runway, passing directly over a group of spectators gathered for the event.
After reaching an altitude of roughly 5/feet, the aircraft entered a steep left-hand roll. The flight path took the plane between a light pole and the control tower, eventually crossing the airport boundary fence. During this maneuver, the left wing collided with a moving vehicle, and the aircraft ultimately came to a stop after impacting several parked cars on a street adjacent to the airfield.
Findings
Investigation of the wreckage and witness media, including video footage, revealed evidence of improvised flight control hardware. A nylon strap was observed connecting the rudder to the left elevator. It was believed that this strap functioned as a gust lock or flight control stabilizer. Investigators identified an S-hook attached to the rudder hinge attachment point, noting that the loop on the strap had separated. A similar S-hook was also found located under the left stabilizer/elevator hinge area.