What happened
The aircraft landed on a runway covered with ice and snow while operating in freezing drizzle conditions. The pilot had loaded 1512 lbs of cargo prior to the initial landing. After taxiing for an instrument flight rules departure, the aircraft rotated shortly after liftoff but the right wing dropped, causing the aircraft to touch back down on the runway.
A visual inspection revealed significant ice accumulations on the leading edges and upper wing surfaces. The pilot attempted to locate deicing equipment but was unable to find any. Although a hangar was offered for use, the pilot declined this option. While the airport manager was en route to check runway conditions for plowing operations, the pilot returned to the aircraft.
An unsuccessful attempt was made to remove ice from the leading edges by hand. The pilot decided to attempt another takeoff, nearly half an hour beyond the scheduled departure time. Liftoff occurred approximately one-fifth of the way down the runway. After flying at 50 feet above ground level and initiating a climb, the aircraft reached an altitude of several hundred feet before stalling. The aircraft descended uncontrolled and impacted the ground. It was destroyed by impact and fire, and the pilot was fatally injured.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft confirmed ice accumulations on critical aerodynamic surfaces. The deicing equipment required for safe operation in these conditions was not available to the pilot.