What happened
While performing a takeoff roll at Clanton-Ware Island Airport, the aircraft experienced a structural failure involving the right main landing gear. As the gear collapsed, the pilot took action to retract the remaining landing gear in an attempt to preserve directional control of the plane.
Following the collapse, the aircraft came to a stop and subsequently caught fire. Despite the intensity of the flames, the pilot escaped the wreckage without any injuries. The incident resulted in the total loss of the aircraft, which was officially written off following the accident.
Findings
Official investigations into the event concluded that the right main gear collapsed, though the specific underlying reason for this mechanical failure remains undetermined.