What happened
On the morning of the accident, the pilot arrived at the aircraft at approximately 0900 hours to prepare for a parachuting mission. Although the aircraft had been exposed to heavy frost overnight, the pilot observed no ice or frost on the upper wing surfaces during pre-flight inspections. After completing flight planning, the engine was started at 1000 hours. Environmental conditions at the time included a temperature of -4°C, a QNH of 1004 mb, and light north-west winds across grass Runway 06L.
The aircraft was carrying thirteen people, including eight parachutists, three instructors, and two videographers. Following a standard power check and takeoff configuration, the pilot taxied onto the runway. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reached a rotation speed of 65 knots. At the moment of rotation, the pilot transitioned the flaps from the takeoff setting to the full setting.
As the aircraft cleared the hedge at the upwind end of the runway, the pilot initiated a left turn to perform a standard noise abatement maneuver. During this turn, the aircraft began to descend. Despite engine instruments showing normal manifold air pressure, fuel pressure, and RPM, the pilot issued a brace command. The aircraft struck the ground with the left wing low. The impact caused the landing gear to detach as the aircraft crossed a ditch, eventually skidding to a stop in an adjacent field.
While the pilot sustained a leg injury that required medical evacuation, the remaining passengers were able to exit through the pilot's door after the rear sliding door became jammed. One passenger sustained a whiplash injury, while the others remained unhurt. There were zero fatalities among the 13 occupants of the aircraft.
Findings
During the takeoff sequence, the pilot changed the flap configuration from takeoff to full immediately after rotation.