What happened
During a period of active snowfall and instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions, an aircraft departed from the airport and exhibited unstable performance immediately following takeoff. During the initial climb phase, the aircraft collided with power lines before ultimately crashing into a residential neighborhood.
Findings
An investigation into the accident identified several contributing factors related to both environmental conditions and operational decisions. The aircraft had accumulated ice prior to the collision. Furthermore, the investigation determined that the aircraft weight and balance exceeded certified limits, as the plane was operating above its maximum gross weight.
Additional findings from the investigation included:
- The pilot elected to fly into known adverse weather conditions involving snow and fog.
- The aircraft failed to maintain an appropriate climb rate following takeoff.
- There were no indications of mechanical issues, such as engine failure or flight control malfunctions, occurring before the impact with the utility wires.
- Factors related to the pilot's decision-making and overconfidence in navigating the weather conditions were noted.