Accident Overview
An aircraft departed at night from a private, unlighted airstrip. The occupants included a professional pilot with an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and the aircraft's owner, who held a pilot certificate but was not instrument-rated. The owner was at the controls at the time of takeoff.
Flight Path
After takeoff, the aircraft entered a slight left turn. It subsequently struck the top of a tall pine tree, estimated at about 80 feet above ground level, and approximately 202 feet left of the runway centerline. The aircraft then traveled an additional 450 feet before colliding with other trees.
Investigation Findings
The investigation found no evidence of a preimpact mechanical problem with the aircraft. It was not determined which pilot was actually flying the aircraft at the time of the accident.
Toxicology Results
Toxicology tests performed on the owner showed a blood alcohol level of 0.041% (41 mg/dL) and a urine alcohol level of 0.012% (12 mg/dL). Toxicology tests on the professional pilot's blood and urine were negative for alcohol.