Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control during takeoff after he reached to secure a seatbelt that was wedged in the passenger door.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during takeoff, he observed the passenger seatbelt wedged in the right side door and dangling outside the airplane. As he reached to open the door to move the seatbelt inside the cabin, the airplane impacted the runway resulting in substantial damage to the tail section.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during takeoff after becoming airborne, he saw that the passenger seatbelt was wedged in the right side door and dangling outside the airplane. As he reached to open the door to move the seatbelt inside the cabin, the airplane impacted the runway resulting in substantial damage to the tail section.