19970222001729A

According to the load mainfest, the airplane was loaded with U.S. Mail and freight within 57 pounds of its maximum takeoff weight, and about 3 inches forward of its aft CG limit. No malfunctions were noted during the start or taxi, and the aircraft made a near midfield intersection departure from 8L at 0622:35 local time. Seconds earlier, a Boeing 747 had completed its landing rollout on runway 4R which crossed runway 8L near its departure end. The centerfield llwas sensor showed winds from 285 degrees at 2 knots. The pilot and loader (a private pilot) said nothing unusual occurred during the takeoff until the aircraft climbed to 100 feet AGL when 'suddenly the airplane yawed to the left as though the left engine had lost power. Despite application of full right rudder, directional control was lost and it was necessary to decrease the pitch attitude because of severe yawing and rolling tendencies. The airplanes left wing tip impacted the right side of the runway, the tricycle gear collapsed, the airplane slid to a stop, and was consumed by fire. The loader reported that he began work without having slept the preceding night. Because of the fire damage, the operators lack of recordsand operating practices, neither the total fuel load, the freight actual weight, the cargos preimpact location within the wreckage, nor the adequancy of the cargo tie down system could be validated. FAA maintained weight and balance documents were found at variance with duplicate documents held by the operator. The powerplant examination did not reveal evidence of preimpact failures and propeller ground scar signatures on the runway indicated that both engines were operating at impact. The accident occurred during the pilot last flight as an employee.