What happened
During a scheduled cargo flight under visual flight rules, an aircraft departed from a remote airfield. At the time of departure, the local weather was characterized by light snow and fog, with visibility estimated between 2 and 3 miles. The surrounding terrain was covered in ice, and the visual environment was described as flat. To facilitate the departure, the pilot obtained a special VFR clearance from a flight service station specialist to exit the control zone.
Following takeoff, observers noted the aircraft ascending to an altitude of approximately 500 feet before initiating a right turn. Shortly after this maneuver, the aircraft entered a steep 90-degree right bank and subsequently descended into the ground in a nose-low and wing-low attitude. The accident resulted in fatalities.
Findings
An examination of the engine and airframe conducted after the accident found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction.