Background
The pilot had retired for the evening between 2230 and 2300 EST when the flight had not yet been scheduled. At 0230, the pilot was awakened and notified to operate a night cargo flight. The owner obtained a weather briefing, filed a flight plan, and later briefed the pilot. The pilot arrived at the airport at 0430 and preflighted the aircraft while the owner updated the weather briefing.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft was cleared as filed with a clearance void time of 0500, and the clearance was relayed to the pilot via unicom. During takeoff at 0510, the aircraft was observed climbing northbound to approximately 800 feet above ground level in moderate snowfall with the landing light on. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft crashed about one mile northeast of the airport while in a steep nose-down, right-wing-low attitude. The pilot, the sole occupant, was killed.
Investigation Findings
No pre-impact part failure or malfunction was found. Reportedly, when the pilot first hired on, he had exaggerated his flight experience. He had problems with instrument flying and was not scheduled for flights in marginal weather; he had been given extra help. At the time of the accident, snow was falling, mixed icing was forecast in clouds, and there was a SIGMET for moderate to severe turbulence below 8,000 feet.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause findings included: Occurrence #1 – in-flight encounter with weather during takeoff, with findings of inadequate supervision by company/operator management, company-induced pressure, pilot fatigue (flight schedule), lack of total experience in type operation, dark night light condition, cloud weather condition, snow-covered terrain condition, snow weather condition, improper use of landing lights by the pilot, and visual/aural perception issues. Occurrence #2 – loss of control during initial climb, with findings of IFR procedure not followed by the pilot, spatial disorientation, and aircraft handling not maintained. Occurrence #3 – in-flight collision with terrain during uncontrolled descent.