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 loss of control during takeoff, crashing into an orange grove, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants aboard.
- The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a subsequent post-crash fire.
- Witnesses observed smoke trailing from the airplane during gear retraction, followed by an abrupt climbing left turn, wing rocking, and a steep descent before impact.
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