20000704036819A

(-23) The pilot/owner of a 1990 homebuilt Lancair 235 and his brother/passenger planned to take off from runway 19 at the Hot Springs, south dakota airport. The airport manager, a commercial pilot and flight instructor witnesses the takeoff and accident. He stated during the takeoff roll the aircraft had the nose up and was dragging the tail. He also noticed the windsock indicated a 10 to 12 knot direct tail wind. He stated the aircraft was almost at the end of the runway when it lifted off momentarily, settled on the ground off the end of runway 19 in a field and came to rest approx. 510 feet off the end of the runway. The witness stated the local weather had clear skies, winds from the north estimated at 10 to 12 and temperature estimated at 80 degrees. Note: the aircraft hit a mound of dirt 130 feet prior to the resting point. The aircraft remained upright and received substantial damage to the propeller, landing gear and belly, and had holes punctured in the wings. There were no injuries. The pilot said the aircraft was operating properly prior to takeoff.