Accident Overview
According to witness reports, the engine start and taxi to the runway proceeded normally. The pilot contacted air traffic control for an instrument flight rules clearance, which was issued with a short void time. The pilot acknowledged the clearance and began the takeoff roll.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the night-time takeoff roll and engine sound appeared normal. However, those near the end of the runway observed the airplane at approximately 50 feet above the runway with about 1,000 feet of runway remaining. At that point, engine power was reduced on both engines. The airplane was heard to touch down, after which engine power was reapplied. Shortly thereafter, the sound of impact was heard.
Accident Site and Inspection
The airplane collided with terrain about 600 feet from the end of the runway. During the post-accident inspection of the airplane and engines, no evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction.
Timeline and Documentation
Documentation of the events indicated that from the time the aircraft began its taxi to the runway to the start of the takeoff roll was approximately six minutes. Before the takeoff roll began, the pilot had accepted a clearance with a void time of four minutes. By the time the pilot correctly read back the clearance, less than two minutes remained before the void time.
Post-Accident Findings
Post-accident examination of the accident site revealed that neither the pilot nor the passenger were wearing their lap belts or shoulder harnesses. It was also noted that the pilot had not yet selected the discrete transponder code as indicated by the clearance.