Introduction
The aircraft was the second of six to depart from the Tangalooma Resort strip on a night flight bound for Coolangatta aerodrome. Shortly after takeoff, it struck the ground, nosed over, and was consumed by a fuel-fed fire.
Sequence of Events
Witnesses, including pilots awaiting takeoff, reported that the takeoff run appeared normal but the initial climb was shallow. At approximately 150 feet above ground level, the aircraft entered a descent that continued until it impacted the ground 164 meters beyond the departure end of the strip. The nose gear collapsed on impact, but the aircraft remained upright and skidded along the ground on its main landing gear and front fuselage. It then traversed a low sand dune, fell 10 feet to the beach, and overturned. The aircraft came to rest 112 meters beyond the first point of ground contact.
Evacuation and Fire
All four passengers were able to evacuate the aircraft, which had started to burn. The pilot was rescued by her passengers.
Probable Cause
The official findings reported the following factors: 1. The takeoff direction was dark and had no visible horizon. 2. The elevator trim was not set for takeoff. 3. The elevator load on takeoff was high. 4. The pilot did not monitor the aircraft attitude after lift-off. 5. The flap was retracted in one movement, increasing the elevator load. 6. The pilot may have been affected by somatogravic illusion to the extent that she thought the climb attitude was adequate.