Incident Overview
A pilot landed an airplane at Watertown to load and off-load cargo. Without exiting the aircraft, the pilot departed the location. A witness observed the airplane passing over the runway at an altitude of approximately 50 feet above ground level, describing the aircraft as bouncing and buffeting during the flight. Another witness reported that the weather at the time was overcast with occasional snow flakes.
Accident Sequence
Shortly after being observed over the runway, the airplane descended and impacted the terrain. The impact resulted in an explosion.
Post-Accident Findings
A post-accident inspection of the wreckage revealed a ridge of rime ice measuring between 1/2 and 3/4 inch thick along the leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer. Additionally, pieces of arc-shaped ice were found scattered along the wreckage path. Examination of the wreckage did not identify any preimpact failure or malfunction of the engine or airframe that would have prevented flight.