QUOTE(Rex Kicka** @ Aug 27, 2006 -> 12:19 PM)
The plane did get briefly airborne but probably stalled out because it was moving too slowly for the angle of attack at which it was climbing.
It is called ground effect. When the nose of the plane pitches up, the effective thrust of the engines is greater because of the resistance of the ground on the exhaust of the engines. As the plane climbs, the additional lift is dissipated and there is not enough air flowing over the top of the wings to maintain flight. The result is a stall, as you say. This would explain the impact site being so far down range from the end of R26.
There appears to be some other contributing factors in that the lights on R-26 might not have been operational since a recent re pavement project on the 2-2 runway was completed. The 2-6 was in poor condition and also had a crest at the far end limiting the pilots visual of the end of the runway. There is a severe drop off at the end of the runway which may have contributed to the pilots decision to attempt flight rather than abort take off.
In order to taxi to position on 2-2, you cross the 2-6. It is surprisingly rare that pilots confirm the correct heading once in position with the cockpit compass. The 2-6 runway ground marker is on the right side of the aircraft as you make a left hand turn to take position. It is also rare that ATC visually confirm the correct runway.
Rumor (I stress) has it that the lone survivor is the first officer. I am not sure that 'lucky' would be a correct way to describe his situation right now if that is true. Not that he is not fortunate to be alive but I can not imagine the guilt that will rack his soul for all his days if what is being said turns out to be factual. Regardless, tragic all the way around.
Edit - Apparently the rumor of the FO being the sole survivor has been confirmed.