Accident Overview
At approximately 0401 Eastern Standard Time, the pilot of an aircraft conducting an instrument flight rules (IFR) departure initiated takeoff and was cleared to climb and maintain 6,000 feet mean sea level. Radar contact with the aircraft was established around 0402, but was lost roughly 30 seconds later. The aircraft subsequently impacted terrain about 3 to 4 miles from the departure runway in a steep, nose-down attitude.
Examination Findings
Investigators conducted an examination of the engine and airframe structures to the extent possible. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were identified. Multiple witnesses reported that the engines were operating at high power until the moment of impact.
Cargo loading was documented: the total cargo load, consisting of bags and boxes, was estimated at 399 pounds. No cargo net was found among the wreckage, though several tiedown ropes were recovered. Investigators considered the possibility that the cargo may have shifted during the climb, but this could not be definitively determined. Analytical calculations indicated that if the cargo had shifted fully aft, the center of gravity would have been approximately 0.5 percent behind the aft CG limit.
Probable Cause
No probable cause is stated in the source.