Incident Overview
A private pilot conducted a parachuting flight under fine weather conditions. Shortly after becoming airborne, the pilot encountered a strong nose-up force that required both hands on the control column to counteract. The aircraft climbed to approximately 250 feet in a semi-stalled condition before yawing left and losing altitude. It subsequently struck the ground, sustaining serious damage but not catching fire.
Occupant Injuries
Three of the nine parachutists aboard received serious injuries, while the remaining occupants sustained minor injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident resulted from loss of control following a takeoff with an incorrect horizontal stabilizer trim setting. Contributory factors included incorrect aircraft loading, difficulty in rapidly re-trimming the horizontal stabilizer, and an inadequate standard of aircraft operation.