Accident
On October 21, 2009, at about 0624 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-23-250, N62635, impacted trees and terrain shortly after departing from runway 24 at Summerville Airport (DYB), Summerville, South Carolina. The pilot and three passengers were fatally injured. The flight was conducted under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, operating under an instrument flight rules flight plan with a destination of St. Lucie County International Airport in Fort Pierce, Florida. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
Aircraft and Pilot
The aircraft, manufactured in 1976 and registered to the pilot since 1997, was equipped with two Lycoming IO-540-C4B5 engines. The pilot, aged 69, held a commercial pilot certificate with single-engine, multiengine, and instrument ratings, and reported 4,326 total flight hours at his last medical examination. The most recent annual inspection recorded 2,260.1 hours on the airframe, with the engines having accumulated 1,581.0 (left) and 1,906.4 (right) total hours.
Weather and Airport
The 0615 weather observation at DYB recorded calm winds, 10 miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 4°C, dew point 3°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.26 inches of mercury. The airport had a single runway (6/24) measuring 3,700 feet by 75 feet, equipped with pilot-activated medium intensity runway lights. No air traffic control tower was present. Witnesses reported hearing the engines start and observing the takeoff roll, but noted that the runway lights were not illuminated at the time. Post-accident testing confirmed the lighting system functed properly.
Wreckage and Impact
The airplane struck trees 74 feet beyond the wooded area boundary, approximately 584 feet south of the runway centerline, and came to rest 93 feet from the initial tree strike. The impact was consistent with a left-wing-low attitude, on a magnetic heading of 102 degrees. Wreckage debris was heavily damaged by fire and impact. Left and right engines were examined and showed thermal damage but no preimpact mechanical anomalies. Propeller blades exhibited damage consistent with rotation at impact. The baggage door was found separated, with the lock void of a key, and a gouge forward of the locking handle was noted. Control cable continuity was confirmed for ailerons and elevator.
Medical and Toxicology
Autopsy determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicological testing on the pilot detected no drugs of abuse. The pilot's medical history included hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, elevated cholesterol, and a surgically removed pituitary tumor, all controlled with medication. The autopsy noted approximately 95% occlusion by atherosclerosis in two coronary arteries.
Probable Cause
The investigation did not determine a probable cause.