Accident Overview
The accident occurred at night, approximately three miles from the departure airport and about five minutes after takeoff. This was the pilot's first takeoff from that airport, having flown there earlier the same day.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, he used 25 degrees of flaps for takeoff and climbed at an initial speed of 60 knots. During the departure, he noted that the surroundings became progressively darker. As he climbed through 1,000 feet MSL, he gradually retracted the flaps and increased speed to 80 knots. He then continued climbing north, directly toward the Montpelier VOR.
The pilot reported being amazed at the darkness, stating he was barely able to distinguish the horizon. He subsequently observed trees ahead in the airplane's path and attempted to avoid them by pulling back on the control wheel. His avoidance effort was unsuccessful.
Collision and Post-Impact Events
The pilot stated that the stall warning horn sounded just as the airplane struck the trees. Following the collision, the airplane fell to the ground. After the pilot and passengers had exited the airplane, a fire erupted.