Accident Details
During the initial takeoff climb from runway 30, the pilot—a commercial pilot with 4,000 flight hours—lost control of the twin-engine airplane. The aircraft was observed impacting the ground in a steep nose-down attitude. It came to rest upright on airport property, initially on a heading of 150 degrees, then rebounded approximately 15 feet before coming to rest on a heading of 200 degrees. A post-crash fire consumed the cabin, forward fuselage, and center portions of both wings, including both fuel tanks in each wing. Both engines sustained extensive thermal damage. The landing gear was found extended, and the wing flaps were fully retracted. Flight and engine control continuity was established. The right engine propeller and spinner showed no signatures consistent with rotation at impact.
Aircraft Information
The airplane, a twin-engine model, had been recently sold to a new owner. It was reported to have been parked outside at airport ramps and had flown only 15 hours in the preceding 10 years. A special flight permit was issued for the 152-nautical-mile flight to a location where an annual inspection was to be performed.
Weather Conditions
Weather at the airport at the time of the accident was reported as winds from 340 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 15 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 16 degrees Celsius, dew point 0 degrees Celsius, and barometric pressure 30.10 inches of Mercury. No distress calls were received from the pilot before the mishap.