Accident Overview
An aircraft departed an airport in instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions with snow falling. Witnesses observed the aircraft staggering into the air shortly after takeoff. During the initial climb, the aircraft struck power lines and subsequently crashed into homes in a residential area.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident investigation revealed that the aircraft had accumulated ice prior to the accident. Additionally, the aircraft exceeded its certified maximum gross weight at the time of the flight. No evidence was found of any failure or malfunction of the airframe, flight controls, or engine before the aircraft impacted the power lines.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause determination lists multiple findings across three occurrences. Occurrence #1, an in-flight encounter with weather during the takeoff roll/run, found fog and snow weather conditions, flight into known adverse weather by the pilot in command, and overconfidence in personal ability by the pilot in command. Occurrence #2, an in-flight collision with an object during initial climb, found the object was a static wire, and that proper climb rate was not maintained by the pilot in command, with aircraft weight and balance exceeded by the pilot in command. Occurrence #3, an in-flight collision with terrain/water during an uncontrolled descent, is included in the findings.