Accident Details
During the initiation of a cross-country flight, the pilot raised the landing gear following liftoff. The aircraft then settled back onto the ground off the end of the runway. According to the pilot and an FAA inspector who examined the aircraft, both engines were producing normal power. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits.
Pilot Actions
The elevator trim was set at 12 degrees nose-up, whereas the required setting was 3-6 degrees. The pilot lowered the landing gear prior to impact.
Aircraft Information
According to information provided by the aircraft manufacturer, induced drag increases during landing gear retraction and extension due to the landing gear doors being extended into the air stream as the landing gear cycles.
Official Findings
The probable cause, as stated in official findings, is: The pilot initiating lift off at an airspeed insufficient to maintain flight and retracting the landing gear prematurely resulting in a stall mush. A factor was the pilot incorrectly setting the elevator trim.