What happened
Shortly after departing on a 5002-foot runway, the aircraft struck trees and subsequently hit the ground. Witnesses reported that the airplane utilized approximately three-quarters of the available runway during its takeoff roll. Just prior to liftoff, an engine miss-fire was heard by observers. The aircraft appeared unable to climb and exhibited porpoising motions just above the tree line. After porpoising two or three times, the plane entered the trees, resulting in a crash followed by smoke and fire.
The investigation
An examination of weight and balance records revealed that the takeoff weight of the aircraft exceeded the design limits by 252 pounds. Additionally, a toxicology examination performed on the pilot's blood and liver samples identified the presence of Hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, and acetaminophen.