Accident Overview
A certificated commercial pilot and six passengers were involved in an accident while departing a remote airstrip on a scheduled commuter flight. Snow showers were present in the area at the time.
Departure and Conditions
The pilot boarded the passengers and then waited on the ground for approximately 40 minutes for weather conditions to improve. Before initiating the takeoff, the pilot removed snow from the windshield and the leading edge of the wing. The runway sloped uphill about 2 percent in the direction of takeoff.
Takeoff and Impact
During the takeoff roll, the airplane did not become airborne until the pilot applied full flaps. After lifting off, the airplane was unable to climb out of ground effect. A small hill was located ahead of the airplane, and the pilot began to retract the flaps. The airplane subsequently collided with rising terrain approximately one-quarter mile north of the departure end of the runway.
Post-Accident Observations
A pilot who witnessed the accident walked to the site afterward and observed snow on the upper surfaces of the wings.