What happened
While operating under an FAA Special Flight Permit to reach a facility for overdue annual inspections and maintenance, an aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff. The aircraft had been out of service for eight years prior to being purchased by the current owner in late 2022.
Prior to the flight, attempts to refuel the aircraft resulted in leaks from several locations. The mechanic on site attributed these leaks to the filler necks and noted that a lineman had overfilled the tanks beyond the agreed-upon level. Following a brief preflight check, the pilot began the engine start process, during which the pilot requested assistance from the mechanic three times regarding various operational issues.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot did not perform a standard engine run-up. Video evidence from the scene indicates the aircraft veered to the right and attempted to rotate before settling back onto the runway. The aircraft eventually became airborne near the end of the runway, initially yawing to the right before entering a shallow climb. Witnesses observed the aircraft narrowly clearing a treeline at the end of the runway before turning left and disappearing behind foliage.
Following the departure, the aircraft struck two static wires on a power transmission line and hit the canopy of a large tree. The aircraft then entered a left bank toward a soybean field, impacting the ground in a nose-low, left-bank attitude. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot, who was the sole occupant.
Findings
Analysis of video recordings revealed that the aircraft rotated at a ground speed of approximately 70.8 knots, which translates to an airspeed of roughly 74.8 knots. This speed was significantly lower than the recommended rotation speed of 85 knots.