Accident Overview
On the first flight of the Grumman G-21 in two years, the pilot, who had not flown the aircraft for the same period, planned three takeoffs and landings to regain currency. After a one-hour flight with two full-stop landings, the third takeoff ended in a crash.
Flight Sequence
During the third takeoff, the airplane lifted off in a short distance and assumed a nose-high attitude below 100 feet. It then rolled left, struck the ground in a steep descent, and burned. Witnesses reported that the engines were providing power until impact, and post-impact examination revealed evidence of rotational damage to the engines and propellers.
Technical Examination
The flap actuators were found extended to a position corresponding to 30° of flaps (half flaps). No pre-impact mechanical issues were noted during the investigation.
Pilot Statements
Four Grumman G-21 pilots were interviewed. They indicated that flaps were not normally used for takeoff in this aircraft. They also reported that the turboprop engines provided substantial power relative to the airplane's weight, especially when lightly loaded, and that the G-21 would tend to become airborne quickly with flaps extended.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was that the pilot allowed excessive nose-up rotation of the airplane during lift-off and failed to obtain and/or maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in an inadvertent stall and collision with terrain. Factors were the pilot's lack of recent experience in the make and model of airplane and the use of flaps during a light-weight takeoff.