Flight Details
Two pilots and two passengers departed San Angelo, Texas, on a cross-country flight. For the first leg to El Paso, Texas, one pilot, who had 95 hours of flying time, served as pilot-in-command. On the subsequent leg, the other pilot assumed the duties of pilot-in-command and signed the flight plan.
Accident Sequence
During an intersection takeoff with 5,600 feet of runway remaining, the aircraft lifted off after an estimated ground roll of 1,500 feet. It then climbed to an estimated maximum altitude of about 300 feet. The pilot accepted a turn to 120 degrees to make way for a departing jet. After initiating the turn, the aircraft suddenly dropped, losing approximately one-third of its altitude. A witness reported that the aircraft climbed and dropped two more times. On the final descent, it crashed in the desert in a steep descent.
Investigation Findings
Post-crash examination found no preimpact or mechanical problem with the aircraft. The propeller blades exhibited evidence of high rotational damage, consistent with power at impact. The density altitude was estimated to be 6,424 feet. Tower personnel described the aircraft as being near its stall speed from lift-off until the crash. The aircraft was estimated to be 38 pounds over its maximum gross weight limit.