Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper takeoff procedure that led to a decreased climb rate and subsequent off-airport landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that she was conducting touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. During the last touch-and-go landing, she retracted the flaps and applied full throttle. The ground roll seemed slightly longer than previous takeoffs. After liftoff, the airplane was not climbing and the pilot thought that it was developing less than full power. As the airplane was approaching power lines, the pilot felt that the airplane would not clear them so she elected to land on a field. The airplane impacted the ground during the landing and sustained substantial damage, which included a damaged left wing, a ruptured fuel tank, and a deformed fuselage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the airplane cockpit flap indicator was in the 20-degree position. No preexisting mechanical anomalies were noted with the airframe, engine, or engine accessories that would have precluded normal operation. According to the aircraft’s Pilot Operating Handbook, “Normal takeoffs are accomplished with wing flaps 0°- 10°. Using 10° wing flaps reduces the total distance over an obstacle by approximately 10%. Flap deflections greater than 10° are not approved for takeoff.”
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was performing touch and go landings on runway 09 (3,451 feet by 50 feet, asphalt) when the airplane impacted terrain during takeoff. The pilot stated that during the last takeoff, the flaps were retracted and full throttle was applied. The ground roll seemed "slightly longer" than previous takeoffs. After liftoff, the airplane was not climbing and was developing less than full power. As the airplane was approaching power lines, the pilot felt that the airplane would not clear them so she elected to land on a field. The airplane impacted the ground during the landing and sustained substantial damage, which included a damaged left wing, a ruptured fuel tank, and a deformed fuselage. Examination of the airplane revealed that the airplane cockpit flap indicator was in the 20 degree position. No mechanical anomalies were noted with the airframe, engine, and engine accessories that would have precluded normal operation.