Accident
Shortly after departing from Binghamton-Broome County Airport, a twin-engine airplane experienced significant difficulty in gaining altitude. The aircraft then stalled, struck the old approach light platform located at the base of the airport's runway extension, and crashed, erupting in flames. The accident resulted in the death of a pilot and two passengers, while eight other occupants sustained serious injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident was caused by poor flight preparation on the part of the crew, who decided to take off with a snow-covered aircraft. Contributing factors identified include inadequate preflight preparation, airframe ice, icing conditions (including sleet and freezing rain), delayed action in aborting the takeoff, an intentional wheels-up landing, low ceiling, snow, the crew's attempt to take off with snow on the wings, and the aircraft not being cleaned prior to takeoff.