Accident Description
During takeoff, the aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power. The cause was the fuel selector being in the off position. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, but during the attempt, the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall and collided with the terrain. According to passengers, the pilot did not use a pre-takeoff checklist, and no passenger briefing was conducted before the flight.
Search and Rescue
The wreckage was visible from the airport control tower but was not located until several hours after the accident by an aerial search. Two passengers sustained serious injuries, while the pilot and a third passenger were killed.
Official Findings
The investigation identified three occurrences with multiple findings: (1) Loss of engine power (total, nonmechanical) due to fuel starvation from improper fuel selector position, failure to follow the checklist, failure to use aircraft service, and pilot overconfidence. (2) Loss of control in flight due to poor in-flight planning/decision-making, failure to maintain airspeed, diverted attention, and an uncontrolled stall. (3) In-flight collision with terrain, with the terrain condition noted as snow-covered.