Accident Details
The aircraft departed at night from runway 4R on a mail transport flight. The pilot-in-command (PIC) occupied the left seat, a pilot-rated cargo loader was in the right seat, and another cargo loader was aboard but not seated. During takeoff, the aircraft entered a turn and flew into gradually rising terrain. The initial impact point was about 15 feet higher than the runway elevation and approximately 0.3 miles abeam the departure end of the runway.
Operator Practices
Investigation revealed that the company permitted pilot-rated cargo loaders to fly the aircraft from the right seat during positioning and ferry flight segments as part of their compensation, to build multiengine flight time. Evidence indicated that at the time of the accident, the aircraft was being piloted from the copilot's position.
Cockpit Configuration
The right side of the instrument panel was equipped only with exhaust gas temperature (EGT) gauges; no flight instruments were installed on the copilot's side. Except at the pilot and copilot positions, the airplane had no other seat or restraint system. The operator stated that the pilot was not authorized to carry company personnel or passengers without the required seating.
Environmental Conditions
There were cloud layers in the vicinity, no moon illumination, and no visible ground lighting in the direction of flight.
Investigation Findings
No preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure was identified. The probable cause was determined to be the failure of the copilot (pilot-rated cargo loader, who was flying the aircraft) to establish and maintain a positive rate of climb after taking off at night, and inadequate supervision by the PIC, who failed to ensure proper altitude was obtained and maintained during the departure. Factors included darkness, lack of visual cues, and a resultant visual illusion that the copilot failed to recognize. Additionally, the lack of a restraint system for the passenger was considered a possible related factor.