Accident Summary
An aerial photo flight ended in a crash shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, carrying a pilot and an operator, was observed during its initial climb. According to a witness, the engines sounded normal during ground run and takeoff roll. At approximately 30 to 40 feet above ground level, the witness heard surging sounds from the airplane. The aircraft then made a shallow right turn as it approached trees at the departure end. Subsequently, it rolled to the left and impacted trees and terrain in a steep, nose-low, left-wing-low attitude.
Impact and Damage
The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and subsequent fire. The main wreckage came to rest inverted. Examination of the engines found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction. Both turbochargers showed evidence of rotation at impact, and both propellers exhibited blade tip twisting toward low pitch and some forward bending.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the pilot's failure to maintain minimum controllable airspeed during the initial climb, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and collision with trees and terrain.