Incident Overview
A pilot conducting a nighttime departure for Mexico declared an emergency shortly after takeoff and indicated an intention to return and land. While communicating via radio, sounds of both engines operating at high power were audible. The pilot responded affirmatively when asked if he required assistance but replied negatively when asked if a crash crew was needed.
Sequence of Events
Shortly after the exchange, the aircraft collided with power transmission lines at an altitude of approximately 55 feet above ground level, about 1 mile from the departure runway. Following the wire strike, the aircraft impacted the ground and was destroyed by a post-crash fire. A wire impact mark on the nose door indicated the aircraft was in a vertical bank at the time of the collision.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure, though extensive fire damage was present. The aircraft was found to have been loaded beyond its maximum certificated gross weight. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, held a temporary U.S. license based on a Canadian license and was killed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause findings include: an undetermined reason for the first occurrence (airframe/component/system failure/malfunction), and for the in-flight collision with an object, the pilot in command exceeded aircraft weight and balance limits, attempted a precautionary landing, operated in dark night conditions, struck transmission wires, and failed to maintain proper altitude.