Overview
A witness located near the departure end of the runway observed the airplane initially climb in a normal manner. The airplane then stayed below the clouds, executed a shallow bank 180-degree left turn, and descended below a tree line, where it subsequently collided with trees. The accident site was approximately 6,500 feet south-southeast of the runway's end.
Witness and Tower Observations
Tower tapes captured the pilot twice transmitting that he was "coming back" to the airport. During these transmissions, the background sound of the "fuel selector off" warning horn was audible. The pilot later informed the controller, "I've got to get back," at which point the warning horn was no longer heard.
Fuel System Configuration
Prior to departure, the airplane had been refueled with 40 gallons of Jet A fuel, consisting of 20 gallons per tank, bringing the total fuel load to 148 gallons. The flight manual required that the fuel balance between the left and right tanks be maintained within 200 pounds and suggested turning off one fuel selector to correct any imbalance. The condition of having one fuel selector turned off would cause the "fuel selector off" warning horn to sound.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of preimpact failures. Propeller blade butt signatures indicated that the propeller was operating in the governing range and that engine power was being produced at the time of impact.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to properly configure the aircraft fuel system prior to takeoff and his failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude while maneuvering to return to the airport. Factors in the accident were the dark night lighting conditions, low ceilings, restricted visibility conditions, and the pilot's diverted attention, which resulted from activation of the airplane's fuel selector warning horn system.