Accident Description
According to witnesses, the ceiling was approximately 50 feet above the ground, and the takeoff appeared normal until the aircraft collided with trees. An FAA inspector on scene reported that the aircraft collided with trees and rising terrain, subsequently impacting the ground in a wooded area about 1.6 miles south of the airport.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the airplane had collided with trees up-slope on the north side of a ridge at an elevation of 3,800 feet. The slope of the ridge was approximately 25 degrees. The initial crash path through the trees was inclined at an angle of 3 to 5 degrees.
Engine Findings
Post-impact examination of the engine found it heat damaged from the post-impact fire. All accessory components were destroyed. However, engine examination and partial disassembly found no evidence of any pre-impact mechanical deficiencies that would have prevented the engine from developing power.