N2308C

On May 17, 2000, about 1126 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Aircamper GN-1, N2308C, registered to a private individual, experienced a loss of control on takeoff and collided with terrain at the Florence Regional Airport, Florence, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that he obtained current and forecast weather from a machine at the fixed-base operator, and also received the Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS) before takeoff. He performed a preflight and engine run-up before departure with no discrepancies noted. Before takeoff he noted that the windsock adjacent to the departure end of runway 19 was indicating that the wind was from 210 degrees at about 7 knots. He began the takeoff roll and initiated a normal climb until about 20 feet above ground level (agl) when the airplane suddenly and violently banked to the left. He applied full right rudder and also right aileron input but was not able to recover before the left wing impacted the ground. He then reduced power and the airplane then nosed over and came to rest on a closed runway. Postcrash, he checked the flight controls and stated, "they moved correctly and freely." He also stated that there was no evidence of preimpact structural failure or malfunction.

Postaccident examination of the accident site by an FAA inspector revealed that the airplane was located on a closed runway (05/23), 300 feet east of runway 19, and approximately 1,000 feet from the departure end of runway 19. Skid marks on the ground between runway 19 and the resting point of the airplane were observed. Gouges and a groove in the pavement from the propeller and right main landing gear were noted. Both propeller blades were fractured; flight control continuity was confirmed. A copy of the inspector statement is an attachment to this report.

A METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report) taken at the airport 17 minutes after the accident indicates in part that the wind was from 240 degrees at 9 knots variable from 200 to 290 degrees. There were no reported wind gusts.