Amateur-built ZODIAC CH601XL N650WP accident near Hedgesville, West Virginia

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadvertent activation of the elevator trim, which resulted in a premature takeoff and subsequent loss of airplane control and collision with trees.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the experimental, amateur-built airplane reported that, during the takeoff roll while about 35 knots, he realized that he forgot to turn on the airplane's anticollision lights. He reached over to turn them on, and his forearm brushed across the top of the control stick and activated the electric trim to a full, nose-up position. The airplane suddenly climbed in a steep, nose-high attitude to about 60 ft before it started to roll left toward trees. As the airplane rolled left, the pilot attempted to compensate with right rudder and aileron input, but it had little effect on directional control, so he chose to turn back to the left and try to climb over the trees. The airplane impacted the top of the tree canopy then descended through the trees and impacted the ground. The wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16CA259 for the full record.