Night Departure Collision with Rising Terrain (N1233P)

Incident Overview and Operational Context During the initial climb following takeoff, the pilot was executing a dark-night departure when the aircraft failed to maintain clearance from rising terrain located approximately one and one-quarter mile from the end of the runway. Operator records indicated that the pilot had previously flown out of this airport. At the time of departure, the aircraft was approximately 600 pounds below its maximum certificated gross weight. ## Technical Inspections and Damage Findings A teardown inspection of both engines revealed no pre-impact anomalies. Visual and teardown inspections of the propellers showed damage signatures consistent with ground contact in a flat pitch under significant power. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the accident was caused by the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain during the initial climb after a night takeoff. Contributing factors included the dark night conditions and the rising terrain off the departure end of the runway.