Accident Sequence
A witness reported that the airplane consumed the full length of the runway during takeoff. After becoming airborne, it climbed to approximately 300 feet above ground level and then drifted to the right. The airplane subsequently impacted trees located about one-third of a mile from the departure end of the runway. Damage to the trees indicated that the aircraft was in a right bank at the moment of impact.
Aircraft Condition
Both propellers exhibited evidence of rotating at the time of impact. Estimated weight calculations determined that the airplane was at least 165 pounds in excess of its maximum gross takeoff weight. This estimate did not include an unknown quantity of fuel that was on board prior to the last refueling.
Occupant and Fatalities
The pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft and was killed in the accident.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff. Contributing factors included the pilot's failure to ensure that the airplane's maximum gross takeoff weight was not exceeded, as well as the presence of a dark night and rain.