The airplane experienced a loss of control during takeoff at about 0709 Mountain time MST and impacted an orange grove. The commercial pilot and flight instructor, the private pilot and one passenger aboard were killed; the airplane was destroyed by impact forces and post-crash fire. Visual conditions prevailed. Air traffic controllers reported observing smoke trailing from the airplane about the time the gear was being retracted. A controller advised the pilot of the smoke. The controller did not receive any response from the airplane. Witnesses observed the airplane make an abrupt climbing left turn, and then the wings rocked back and forth, followed by the airplane descending straight down into an orange grove. The airplane exploded on impact and witnesses observed a large fireball.
April 23, 2008, Mesa, Ariz., Lancair IV-P Experimental
The airplane experienced a loss of control during takeoff at about 0709 Mountain time MST and impacted an orange grove. The commercial pilot and flight instructor, the private pilot and one passenger aboard were killed; the airplane was destroyed by impact forces and post-crash fire. Visual conditions prevailed.
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane experienced a fatal loss of control shortly after takeoff, crashing into an orange grove.
- All four occupants aboard, including two pilots and a passenger, were killed, and the aircraft was destroyed by impact and post-crash fire.
- Controllers observed smoke trailing from the plane during gear retraction, and witnesses reported an abrupt climbing left turn followed by wing rocking and a straight descent before impact and explosion.
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