Accident Details
A twin-engine airplane struck wires and crashed in flames shortly after a night takeoff from Rockingham-Hamlet Airport. The accident site was a snow-covered field. The pilot, who was the only occupant, sustained serious injuries.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was a collision with wires during the initial climb, attributed to inadequate preflight preparation on the part of the pilot-in-command.
Contributing Factors
The investigation identified several contributing factors. The pilot failed to abort the takeoff. The terrain selected for the flight path was unsuitable. The pilot demonstrated a disregard for good operating practice. Airport conditions at the time included snow on the runway. Additionally, the aircraft was launched from a snow-covered runway with approximately half an inch of snow on its wings.