Accident Sequence
The aircraft was cleared by the tower at 1723 for a local VFR flight on Runway 25R. At 1725, just after becoming airborne near the intersection of Runway 25R and Runway 22-4, control appeared to be lost. The right wing dropped and struck the ground while the aircraft was 15-20 feet high. The right wing remained down, the tail rose, and the aircraft veered right of the runway, cartwheeled over its nose, and came to rest upside down. A fire broke out in the forward fuselage a few seconds later.
Injuries and Response
Captain Johnson sustained minor injuries, Copilot Williams was seriously burned, and Company Chief Inspector Stromisky, who was in the jump seat, was killed. Tower personnel had alerted emergency equipment when the aircraft first appeared to be in trouble, and fire apparatus arrived within minutes and extinguished the fire.
Aircraft and Weather
The gross weight at takeoff was 21,203 pounds, well below the maximum of 25,346 pounds, and within approved center of gravity limits. Weather was good, with unlimited ceiling and visibility and a southwest wind at 10 mph.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of this accident was reversed installation of aileron control cables and pulleys, and failure of the inspection department to detect this mistake. During overhaul, aileron control cables were improperly connected. Inspection, or lack of inspection, failed to detect this error. Lateral control was lost during takeoff, causing the aircraft to overturn. Weather was good and had no bearing on the accident.