What happened
The aircraft experienced a catastrophic failure shortly after initiating its departure flight phase. According to witness accounts, the plane began to porpoise immediately after leaving the ground, indicating significant handling difficulties. One airline pilot observed the aircraft appearing to be in trouble as it started to oscillate vertically.
As the pilot attempted to manage the situation, the landing gear was reported to be in the down position but likely not retracted properly while the pilot fought to control the airframe. The aircraft then veered sharply to the left, losing altitude rapidly. It flipped completely upside down with its nose pointing nearly straight down.
The crash occurred approximately half a mile from the airport. The maximum altitude attained was estimated at only 55 feet. Upon impact, the aircraft exploded. A witness noted that the left engine was on fire and visible smoke was present before the crash.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine the mechanical status of the aircraft. Investigators found no evidence of power plant failure or malfunction prior to the impact. This suggests that the engine systems were functioning mechanically at the time of the event, pointing toward pilot control or aerodynamic issues rather than mechanical failure.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates a loss of control during the initial climb. The combination of a possible gear retraction issue and the subsequent left turn led to an unrecoverable roll. The aircraft entered a steep left bank and inverted, leading to the fatal crash.