What happened
The aircraft departed from Washington D.C. (DCA) carrying 4,508.70 gallons of fuel and 43 pounds of equipment. This configuration resulted in a gross weight that was 26 pounds over the maximum limit. The flight proceeded directly to Leesburg, Virginia, where winds were generally from the west with potential for wind shear within 2,000 feet above ground level.
During the approach, both the pilot and co-pilot recalled crossing over the runway numbers at an altitude between 20 and 30 feet above ground level (AGL) with a speed of 65 to 68 knots. Approximately 500 to 700 feet down the runway, witnesses observed the nose of the aircraft ascend slightly before it lost flying speed and fell back onto the pavement.
The aircraft bounced back into the air while maintaining a nose-high attitude, only to sink and strike the runway again. It then veered to the left and nosed over before coming to rest in front of the parking apron south of the Flight Service Station (FSS). Witnesses noted a 90-degree crosswind with the windsock standing straight out. Another witness observed heavy flap extension and the nose-high attitude as the aircraft flew level for approximately 500 to 700 feet at about 20 feet AGL. A roar of power was heard at the time of impact.