What happened
During a nighttime departure from runway 21 at Grand Canyon-National Park Airport, an aircraft entered its initial climb phase. While performing a right-hand turn shortly after leaving the runway, the plane collided with treetops, leading to a crash that resulted in a fire. The impact caused the total destruction of the airframe. There were five fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several critical contributing factors related to flight preparation and operational decisions. The crew made improper choices during the flight, which was compounded by an improperly loaded aircraft and an incorrect center of gravity. Additionally, the plane was operating at approximately 257 pounds over its maximum gross weight.
Environmental conditions also played a significant role in the accident. The flight was operating in high density altitude conditions, measured at roughly 7,200 feet. Ultimately, the most critical factor was that the aircraft turned right into rising terrain during the climb.