Accident
A single-engine airplane departed from Nikiski Airfield. Shortly after takeoff, it failed to gain altitude, struck trees, and crashed in a wooded area. The impact resulted in a fire. The pilot was killed, and the second occupant sustained serious injuries.
Investigation
The official investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the accident. The aircraft had been loaded 340 lbs over its maximum takeoff weight. The runway was described as set and soft. The pilot had not used the flaps correctly or had failed to use them, and preflight preparation was deemed inadequate. The aircraft encountered high obstructions during departure. A momentary power reduction occurred before the collision.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was engine failure during initial climb and subsequent collision with trees due to powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors included: failed to see and avoid objects or obstructions, inadequate preflight preparation, misused or failed to use flaps, set and soft runway, improperly loaded aircraft, high obstructions, momentary power reduction, and 340 lbs over maximum takeoff weight.