Accident Details
At 1600 EST, the aircraft was taken from a heated hangar and parked on the ramp for refueling. It remained outside until the pilot departed at 1740 EST. During that interval, snow was falling and the temperature decreased from 34°F to 31°F.
The pilot first contacted the control tower for an IFR clearance at 1658, but the departure was held due to snow removal operations. He went inside while waiting. A controller called the company operations at about 1715 to inform the pilot that taxi clearance would be available in about 10 minutes. At 1728:48, the pilot contacted the tower for taxi and IFR clearance. Approximately 11 minutes later, the pilot acknowledged the takeoff clearance.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft crashed about one mile west and three-quarters of a mile south of the departure end of Runway 27. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was discovered. Witnesses observed the aircraft in a shallow left turn and descending prior to the crash. One witness stated the aircraft was "wallowing."
Probable Cause
The investigation did not determine a probable cause.