Accident Overview
A single-engine airplane engaged in a local skydiving flight crashed during takeoff at Leopoldsburg Airfield. The aircraft, carrying six skydivers and a pilot, was destroyed by fire following the impact. Despite the severity of the crash, all seven occupants were rescued, with two passengers sustaining injuries.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll, the pilot observed that something was abnormal with the aircraft but decided to continue the procedure. After becoming airborne, the airplane experienced difficulties gaining altitude. It subsequently collided with trees located past the end of the runway, crashed, and burst into flames.
Rescue and Injuries
All seven occupants were rescued from the wreckage. Among the passengers, two were injured. The extent of their injuries is not specified. The pilot and the remaining four skydivers were unharmed.
Damage
The airplane was completely destroyed by the fire that ensued after the crash.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident was caused by the aircraft failing to clear the obstacle located in line with the runway. No technical cause could be identified for the failure to clear the obstacle. However, it is noted that during the takeoff roll, the pilot noticed that the aircraft was not behaving normally, and he might have been better off aborting the takeoff. The pilot’s limited experience with this type of aircraft is considered a contributing factor.