Accident Details
According to the pilot, the aircraft was covered with ice prior to departure, but he removed the majority of it before initiating the takeoff. The aircraft carried a hopper load of 200 gallons of fuel. The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the aircraft accelerated slower than normal and required an extended ground run.
Flight and Impact
After becoming airborne, the aircraft was unable to climb. It subsequently made contact with several small trees and then crashed in a clearing within a wooded area.
Post-Accident Findings
Following the accident, a thin layer of ice was discovered on the leading edges of both wings and on the horizontal stabilizer.