What happened
The aircraft departed from the end of runway 20 and struck the ground approximately one-half mile away. The impact occurred at an angle of 40 to 45 degrees with the left wing positioned downward relative to the fuselage.
The investigation
Examination of the airframe revealed no discrepancies in the aircraft systems prior to the accident. A subsequent disassembly of the engine confirmed that there was no mechanical malfunction present.
Findings
The investigation determined that the four occupants aboard had a combined weight of 857 pounds. Additionally, the aircraft carried 200 pounds of baggage and cargo. The recorded useful load for this specific aircraft type is 787 pounds. The total weight of the people and cargo significantly exceeded the allowable limit.
Safety message
Proper weight and balance calculations are critical for flight safety. Operators must ensure that the total weight of passengers, baggage, and fuel does not exceed the aircraft's useful load capacity.