Accident Overview
An aircraft crashed during a low-altitude turn shortly after departing from South Lake Tahoe Airport. The tower controller had advised the pilot, after takeoff, that they could turn and circle the valley to gain altitude before proceeding on course. The aircraft completed one 360-degree turn and began a second. Approximately halfway through the second turn, the aircraft began to descend, and its left wing struck the ground.
Sequence of Events
Witnesses reported that the engine sounded normal and appeared to "rev up" just before impact. No other aircraft discrepancies were found that could be associated with the accident. The aircraft was operated within its center of gravity limits, according to calculations.
Investigation Findings
Investigation revealed that the density altitude at the time of the accident was approximately 8,500 feet above mean sea level. Additionally, while the aircraft was within its center of gravity limits, calculations showed that the maximum allowable gross weight limits were exceeded both before and at the time of the accident.
No official probable cause was determined in the investigation report.