Overweight Aerial Photography Flight Ends in Tree Impact (N4963H)

Flight Details and Weight Limitations The aircraft was fully fueled before two large individuals and their equipment boarded for an aerial photographic flight in the local area. The manufacturer's recommended maximum gross takeoff weight for this aircraft was 1,675 pounds. The calculated takeoff weight for the flight was 1,764.3 pounds, exceeding the recommended limit by 89.3 pounds. ## Witness Observations Witnesses observed the airplane flying much too low and slow, just above the trees. They stated that the plane wobbled and appeared to be going too slow to stay up. Another witness observed that the motor was cutting out before the aircraft hit a tree and then the ground. A different witness observed the airplane going straight down and stated that it did not clip a tree. ## Accident Sequence and Findings The airplane came to rest on the north edge of a group of trees 25 to 30 feet high in a nose-down position. An examination of the engine revealed no indications of anomalies that could have affected its performance. The flaps were found in a 7-degree down position. Leaves and twigs were found in the left main gear wheel fairing, which matched the leaves on the trees at the accident site.