Accident Sequence
After landing, the pilot appeared concerned about the aircraft's weight and asked the attendant to service the fuel tanks to the bottom of the tabs. Subsequently, the aircraft was loaded with three passengers and baggage. The pilot then initiated a takeoff on runway 27. Winds at the time were reported from 260 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 30 knots, with low-level wind shear and turbulence reported in the area.
Witness Observations
Multiple witnesses observed the takeoff. The aircraft seemed to accelerate slowly and became airborne after a ground roll of approximately 1,500 to 2,000 feet. It climbed at a slow rate and initiated a left turn (first to the south, then east) at an altitude of 150 to 200 feet above ground level. One witness noted the aircraft's nose was higher than usual. Another witness described the aircraft as "staggering: a slow porpoising motion not gaining airspeed." Following the turn, the aircraft banked left, descended, and impacted the ground, with the right main landing gear striking first. The heading at impact was 080 degrees. After impact, a fire erupted and the aircraft slid about 105 feet before coming to rest and burning.
Weight and Loading
Investigation revealed that the aircraft was estimated to have been loaded to a total weight of 3,680 pounds, with a center of gravity (CG) at 89.4 inches. The certified maximum gross weight for the aircraft was 3,600 pounds, and the CG limits were from 81.0 inches to 87.7 inches. Thus, the aircraft was 80 pounds over maximum gross weight and its CG was 1.7 inches aft of the rear limit.
Investigation Findings
No evidence of preimpact part failure or malfunction was found. The estimated weight and CG exceeded the certified limits.