The home built aircraft was constructed using the basic design of the Q2, a 2 place plane with a canard. However, it was built with significant design changes. These included a 2nd elevator which created a T-tail. The 2nd elevator was operated by a handle which was mounted on the console wall. Also, the aircraft was equipped with a 104 HP liquid cooled engine instead of an air cooled 64 HP engine; the gross weight was increased from 1000 to 1350 lbs; and the fuel capacity was increased from 20 to 36 gallons with an additional aft tank installed. After his speed taxi checks, the owner/builder/pilot took off on his first flight. Witnesses reported that during takeoff, the craft climbed to an altitude of approximately 100 to 200 feet AGL, then entered a steep descent and crashed. No preimpact part failure was found. The handle for the 2nd elevator was found in a full travel (aircraft nose down) position. The 2nd elevator was found to be 'reversible' and airloads at takeoff speeds could have driven it to a full travel (aircraft nose down) position.