Incident Description
The aircraft was ferried from Savannah, Georgia, to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, for a corporate flight destined for Jackson, Mississippi. Owned and operated by Stribling-Puckett, Inc., the flight to Hilton Head Island was completed without incident. The pilot loaded passenger baggage into the aft baggage compartment, with a witness noting careful arrangement. At 21:45, eight passengers boarded, with one occupying the copilot's seat. After engine start, the aircraft taxied to runway 3. The aircraft then moved onto the 300-foot overrun at the south end of the runway, turned 180 degrees, and performed a running takeoff. Two pilots—one inside the terminal and another outside—observed that the engines did not appear to be developing full power during the takeoff, although no unusual sounds were heard and the engines operated smoothly. Both believed the takeoff roll was excessively long. The aircraft used approximately 3,900 feet of pavement for takeoff, including most of the overrun where it began.
After becoming airborne, the aircraft leveled off and flew straight and level for about 1,200 feet. It then struck the top of a tree located 40 to 50 feet above the ground. Following impact with that tree, the aircraft continued for another 1,200 to 1,300 feet, striking several more trees before coming to rest in an upright position. A fire ignited some distance behind the aircraft and advanced slowly, allowing three survivors to escape through a hole in the left front fuselage.
Injuries and Fatalities
Six occupants were killed in the crash: Roger W. Stribling Jr., Vice President of Stribling-Puckett, Inc.; Max Williams; Henry Clements; Clark Boyce Sr.; Eddie Stanton; and Gordon Ellison. Company President Ben Puckett sustained a broken back. Three survivors escaped from the aircraft.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause as the pilot's failure to maintain a positive rate of climb after a takeoff toward an unlighted area in night visual meteorological conditions. This failure resulted in a collision with trees along the departure path. An overweight condition of the aircraft may have contributed to the pilot's actions; the aircraft was estimated to be 436 pounds over its maximum gross takeoff weight, with the center of gravity near the aft limit.