Dark-Night Departure Ends in Terrain Impact (N1233P)

Incident Overview During the initial climb after takeoff, the pilot was executing a dark-night departure when the aircraft failed to maintain clearance from rising terrain. The impact occurred approximately one and one-quarter mile off the end of the runway. Operator records indicated that the pilot had previously flown out of this airport. At the time of departure, the aircraft was approximately 600 pounds below its maximum certificated gross weight. ## Technical Findings A teardown inspection of both engines revealed no pre-impact anomalies. Visual and teardown inspections of the propellers showed damage signatures consistent with ground contact in a flat pitch under significant power.