Accident Overview
A local flight involving parachute jumping activity ended in a crash shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, carrying a pilot, 12 parachutists, and an observer, initiated its takeoff on runway 18. According to a witness, shortly after takeoff, the engine power was reduced to climb power and the landing gear was retracted. The aircraft climbed to approximately 150 feet above ground level, at which point the nose pitched up, the plane rolled to the left, and it subsequently crashed in a steep left bank, nose-down attitude.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft was loaded well beyond its maximum gross weight and aft center of gravity (CG) limits. The amount of fuel on board was not verified, but even with no fuel, the aircraft would have been about 580 pounds over the maximum certificated gross weight of 8,750 pounds. With an estimated 100 gallons of fuel, the gross weight would have been approximately 9,939 pounds, with the CG at about 121 inches, exceeding the aft CG limit of 117.6 inches. Extensive ground fire damage was present, but no preimpact mechanical discrepancies were evident.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was a loss of control during initial climb due to the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, and exceeding the aircraft's weight and balance limits, which made proper aircraft handling impossible and led to an uncontrolled stall and subsequent collision with terrain.