Accident Description
The airplane rolled for 200 to 300 feet during the takeoff roll before lifting off in a very nose-high attitude. It maintained this attitude, made a right bank, then a left bank, and subsequently fell to the ground while still in a nose-high attitude.
Cargo and Securing
The cargo consisted of eight 55-gallon drums of fuel, laid on their sides and secured by one cargo strap running fore and aft and another running diagonally across the barrels. The tie-down ring ultimate strength rating was 1,600 pounds, while the total cargo weight was 2,863 pounds. After the accident, three of the cargo hooks associated with the straps were found still attached to the tie-down rings, but one hook and the corresponding tie-down ring were not located. Post-impact fire destroyed the cargo straps, and the barrels were strewn randomly throughout the cabin and cargo area.
Maintenance and Weight Issues
According to the manufacturer, the Davis tie-down ring installation was not approved by the manufacturer, and the modification should have been accomplished under a supplemental type certificate. The aircraft logbooks showed only an entry for the modification. Additionally, the certificated maximum gross weight was calculated to have been exceeded by 324.8 pounds.
Pilot and Outcome
The pilot was the sole occupant on board and was killed in the accident.