Accident Overview
A cargo flight conducting the fourth leg of a five-leg itinerary collided with terrain during departure in night instrument meteorological conditions. The aircraft was de-iced prior to departure. Surface observations reported light snow and a broken ceiling at 500 feet above ground level (agl). One pilot who had departed shortly before the accident flight reported moderate snowfall and that he entered clouds at about 200 feet agl.
Flight Path and Performance
Radar track data indicated the accident flight lasted approximately 45 seconds. An aircraft performance radar study revealed that the airplane reached a maximum altitude of about 1,130 feet mean sea level (msl), equivalent to roughly 400 feet agl, at a speed of about 114 knots with a left bank angle of approximately 29 degrees. Subsequently, the airplane descended and impacted the terrain at an airspeed of about 155 knots, a pitch angle of -16 degrees, a left roll angle of 22 degrees, and a descent rate of 4,600 feet per minute.
The performance study determined that engine power output was consistent with values specified in the pilot's operating handbook. Required elevator deflections fell within the available range, and the center-of-gravity (CG) position did not adversely affect controllability. Additionally, the load factor vectors experienced by the pilot could have produced the illusion of a climb, even as the airplane was descending.
Aircraft Examination
Post-impact inspection of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The aircraft's systems and structure were consistent with pre-departure condition.
Probable Cause
According to the official findings, the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and collision avoidance with terrain due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the low cloud ceiling and night conditions.