What happened
Following departure from Boone Airport, an aircraft failed to achieve significant altitude, never climbing more than 200 feet above ground level. Witnesses observed that approximately one-half mile from the end of the runway, the aircraft maintained a nose-high attitude with wings rocking from side to side. At this time, the landing gear remained in the extended position.
As the aircraft approached a ridgeline ahead, its altitude was noted to be below the tops of the ridge. Just prior to reaching the ridge, the aircraft's nose pitched up to a near-vertical position, followed by a sharp right bank. The nose then dropped, and the aircraft impacted the terrain in a near-vertical, nose-down attitude.
The investigation
The investigation into the accident included an analysis of the aircraft's weight and performance capabilities. At the time of the accident, the density altitude at Boone Airport was 5154 feet MSL. The aircraft's gross weight at departure was 3012.3 pounds, which exceeded the maximum gross weight of 2900 pounds listed in the pilot's handbook. Post-accident examination confirmed that the landing gear was found in the down and locked position.