What happened
During a night training mission departing from Crescent City-Jack McNamara Airport, a twin engine airplane carrying an instructor and a student pilot failed to gain sufficient altitude. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft exhibited a low rate of climb before impacting terrain near Castle Rock Island, which sits at 238 feet ASL. The impact occurred approximately one mile south of the runway's departure end, causing the aircraft to catch fire and be destroyed. There were two fatalities among the crew members.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the crash was a controlled collision with the ground during the early stages of the climb. The primary factor was an error by the pilot-in-command, who misjudged both the aircraft's altitude and its clearance from obstacles. Additionally, it was noted that there was inadequate supervision of the flight provided by the check pilot.