NTSB Factual Report

The 1942 Taylorcraft DC-65 airplane collided with trees shortly after takeoff. The pilot stated that after a "normal" ground roll and initial climb, the airplane "started to lose airspeed and rate-of-climb," and that he was "unable to maintain altitude at full throttle." The pilot reported that he did not hear any unusual engine noises. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, no mechanical anomalies with the airplane or engine were evident. According to weight and balance calculations, the airplane was approximately 66 pounds over the maximum allowable gross weight for the airplane, which was 1,250 pounds. The calculated density altitude at the time of the accident was 2,300 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

An uncontrolled descent into trees and terrain after takeoff for undetermined reasons.