Accident Overview
A bank-check courier flight operating a routine route from Troutdale to Portland, with en route stops at Burns and Redmond, Oregon, crashed shortly after takeoff from Burns. The pilot had been observed removing snow from the aircraft's wings before departure. The accident occurred at approximately 2000 Pacific Standard Time.
Sequence of Events
The flight's typical schedule involved departing Troutdale between 0900 and 0930 local time, arriving at Burns between 1130 and 1200. After an approximate eight-hour ground stop, the aircraft normally departed Burns between 1930 and 2000. On the accident day, the pilot took off from Runway 12 at about 2000 PST. An instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan had been filed but was not activated.
Witness Reports
Witnesses reported marginal visual flight rules (VFR) conditions at the time of departure, with reduced visibility due to light to moderate snow showers. Winds were calm to light. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft crashed on flat, snow-covered, uncultivated land approximately three miles southeast of the airport. The impact heading was west-northwesterly.
Wreckage Examination
A propeller blade was found at the initial impact point, and the wreckage was scattered over an area approximately 475 feet long. An examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-impact malfunction or failure.