What happened
During a private flight conducted under Part 91 regulations, an aircraft was being operated to transport wooden roofing materials to a remote location. Shortly after departing, while the aircraft had reached an altitude between 200 and 300 feet, observers noted the plane experienced a sudden pitch-up to approximately 70 degrees accompanied by a rightward drift. As the aircraft continued a right-hand turn, the nose momentarily dipped, and the landing gear was extended while the plane maintained a very low airspeed.
Following this, the nose pitched upward once more, causing the right wing to drop and initiating a descent. Witnesses described the aircraft's motion during the descent as unstable, noting a rocking motion of the wings. The aircraft eventually struck shallow water within a region of tidal mud flats.
Findings
Post-accident analysis determined that the aircraft's takeoff weight was approximately 11,500.8 pounds, which was 1,400.8 pounds above the maximum allowable takeoff weight. While investigators could not determine the exact center of gravity because the precise position of the cargo was unknown, a physical inspection of the aircraft showed no signs of mechanical failure prior to the impact.