Runway Gear Collapse After Overloaded Departure (N400AR)

Departure and In-Flight Events Passengers reported a 30- to 40-minute delay due to the aircraft's late arrival. Upon the pilot's arrival, he appeared hurried and did not provide safety instructions or demonstrate door operations. After takeoff, the aircraft climbed to 6,700 feet. The pilot attempted radio contact with an unknown station but was unsuccessful, appearing agitated to passengers. They noticed an illuminated left alternator light, and the pilot dismissed it, stating it always came on. Fifteen minutes after departure, the flight descended to 3,000 feet, and the pilot again attempted radio contact. The aircraft continued at that altitude until the pilot spotted a ship in the ocean, descending to about 1,000 feet over the vessel while still working the radio. The flight then continued toward the coast.