What happened
The takeoff roll of the King Air 200 initially appeared normal. However, shortly after liftoff, the aircraft ceased its climb and began to yaw toward the left. Witnesses noted unusual sounds, which were attributed to changes in the propeller blade angle. As the aircraft's airspeed decreased, the left bank angle increased significantly, reaching between 45 and 90 degrees, while the nose dropped into a nearly vertical position. Just prior to hitting the ground, the pitch and bank angles began to level out. The aircraft impacted the terrain approximately 1,500 feet from the runway midpoint, having turned left by about 100 degrees. The impact triggered a fire that destroyed the fuselage.
Video evidence showed the aircraft was at a ground speed of roughly 130 knots and 140 feet above the ground when the left yaw occurred. This movement coincided with the appearance of gray smoke behind the aircraft. An experienced mechanic observed two loud popping sounds, suggesting the engine may have been intermittently relighting and extinguishing.
Findings
Investigation into the fuel system revealed that the left and right nacelle tanks were breached during the crash, leaving no fuel in the tanks. While the fuel from the supply truck was uncontaminated, evidence suggested that water contamination in the left engine's fuel supply likely caused a momentary power interruption. It is believed that water accumulated in the bottom of the left nacelle tank due to condensation and was drawn into the engine during the takeoff climb. This water caused the engine to momentarily extinguish and then intermittently relight, creating the observed smoke and noises.
Although the aircraft was approximately 650 pounds over its maximum takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds, this was not considered a factor in the loss of control. The pilot was flying at a speed 40 knots above the minimum control speed, meaning the aircraft should have remained controllable. However, the investigation noted that the pilot lacked documented simulator training, which might have better prepared the crew to manage the asymmetrical power during the yaw.