Accident Overview
On a night takeoff from a snow-covered runway at Crystal Airport, a twin-engine airplane drifted off the runway during its initial climb. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees and crashed, bursting into flames. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and both passengers were killed.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, visibility was below minimums due to fog and snowfall. The report noted visibility of 3/4 mile or less, with weather conditions below legal minimums for the operation.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the airplane drifted off the runway during takeoff, then returned to the runway, and eventually departed the runway at the end. During the initial climb, the pilot failed to abort the takeoff and failed to maintain a positive rate of climb, leading to the collision with trees.
Contributing Factors
Several contributing factors were identified: fog, snow, snow on the runway, visibility of 3/4 mile or less, weather conditions below minimums, and the airplane drifting off and back onto the runway before taking off at the end.
Probable Cause
According to the official findings, the probable cause of the accident was a collision with trees during initial climb after the pilot failed to abort the takeoff and failed to maintain a positive rate of climb.