Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with transmission wires. A factor in the accident was the transmission wires.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the initial climb after takeoff, the airplane struck transmission lines and then landed. While landing the airplane nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 1, 1995, at 1214 central daylight time, an experimental Sorrel, N2026, was substantially damaged when it collided with transmission lines after taking off from Aero Park Airport, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. The pilot and passenger reported minor injuries. The local 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight operated without a flight plan in visual meteorological conditions. According to the pilot, he performed a normal preflight in preparation for the local pleasure flight. The pilot stated he then taxied to the end of runway 05 (1250' x 110') at Aero Park and began his takeoff roll. The pilot stated the ground roll was normal and the airplane lifted off mid-field. While climbing the airplane struck transmission lines which are located approximately a 1/4 mile from the end of the runway. The pilot made a forced landing. While landing the airplane nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position. In a telephone interview with the pilot, he stated "everything seemed fine except for the [airplane's] climb rate." The pilot stated "...the engine instruments were in the green." He stated that he did have the flaps extended to their normal extension of 5-10 degrees on takeoff. The pilot stated he had full fuel aboard and a weight and balance calculation done prior to the flight indicated the weight to be 100 pounds under the airplane's gross weight. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical abnormalities. -