What happened
During the beginning of an aerial photography mission, an aircraft carrying the pilot and the operator was performing its takeoff roll. According to a witness, the engines appeared to be operating normally while the plane was on the ground and during the initial phase of the takeoff. However, once the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 30 to 40 feet, unusual surging sounds were heard coming from the engines.
Following these sounds, the aircraft entered a shallow right-hand turn while approaching trees located at the end of the departure path. The plane then rolled to the left in a steep attitude with the nose low and the left wing down. The aircraft struck the trees and the terrain, where the impact and subsequent fire destroyed the airframe. The wreckage was recovered in an inverted position.
Findings
Investigation of the wreckage confirmed that the aircraft hit the ground in a left-wing-low orientation. A mechanical inspection of the engines showed no signs of malfunction or failure. Specifically, both turbochargers showed evidence of rotation at the moment of impact. Additionally, the propellers showed signs of blade tip twisting toward a low pitch and some forward bending. The accident resulted in two fatalities.