Accident Summary
Shortly after liftoff from an ice/slush covered runway, the airplane experienced a shudder and then rolled left and right, causing the wings to drop. The airplane leveled off briefly, then crash-landed and came to rest in flames. All seven passengers and one pilot evacuated to safety, while one pilot was seriously injured.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be a stall during initial climb after the crew exercised poor judgment. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Inadequate preflight preparation
- Initiated flight in adverse weather conditions
- Failed to abort takeoff
- Failed to maintain flying speed
- Airport conditions: ice/slush on runway
- Snow
- Icing conditions including sleet and freezing rain
- Visibility 1/2 mile or less
- Fog
- Aircraft approximately 368 lbs over gross weight
Aftermath
Following the crash, emergency services responded to the scene. The aircraft was destroyed by the post-impact fire. The seriously injured pilot received medical treatment. The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or location.