Comair Jet crash

[jon lynn]

Comair Jet Didn't Use Runway Assigned Before Crash

This was in the news here today. But I have a question for any real pilots out their.

In 1980-81, before I ran out of money, I finished 20 of my 40 hours of flight instruction, in a tiny Cesna 152. I seem to remember if an aircraft produces lift, and the wheels come off the ground, you are considered airborne. And should be able to sustain flight once lift is achived, and enough thrust.

If the jet crashed a mile from the end of the (supposed) short strip, I would say the pilot(s), were just unskilled, and the crash could have just as easily happened from the long strip.

I know a jet engine vs. a little old prop job, are two different worlds, but arent thrust-drag and lift-weight laws of aerodynamics still the same?

All I can think of is maybe they took off in the wrong direction of the wind? Can any real pilots gimmie a view here?