20180724017839A

On July 24 2018 at approximately 0940, N45FT a just aircraft JA30 superstol departed the ultralight runway at the south end of the eaa airventure grounds with a pilot and one passenger on board. The takeoff roll began with full power added and a zero degree flap setting. Just prior to rotation, full flaps was selected and a steep climb was initiated which is consistent with how a stol takeoff would be initiated in this type of aircraft accordint to those familiar with the aicraft and the pilot. Upon reaching approximately 50 feet above ground, the pilot lowered the nose and recognizing the airspeed was rising, he began to raise the flaps. It was at this point that the pilot stated that 'it felt as if the propeller lost it's grip on the air' and the aircraft began to sink along with the controls becoming mushy. The pilot recognizing something was wrong, began to lower the flaps in an attempt to gain more lift. This had little effect and as the aircraft was still sinking, the pilot raised the flaps in and pushed the controls forward in a last ditch attempt to recover but it was too late. The aircraft impacted the ground just inside the western fence of the ultralight field. The pilot and passenger were not injured in the crash however the passenger cut his head on a piece of metal evacuating the aircraft. The aircraft itself was damaged substantially.