Accident Overview
Following takeoff from Charlotte Amalie-Harry S. Truman Airport, a twin-engine airplane encountered difficulties in gaining altitude. After passing over the end of the runway, the aircraft struck a house and subsequently crashed.
Casualties
The accident resulted in the deaths of the pilot, two passengers, and four individuals on the ground. In addition, eight passengers sustained serious injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause was a combination of factors: the pilot failed to obtain or maintain flying speed; inadequate preflight preparation; the aircraft was computed to be loaded to its center of gravity limits, with no weight and balance prepared by the pilot; and possible misuse of flaps.