Accident Details
A 7-seat aircraft departed with 4 adults and 8 children on board. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft rotated approximately 2,000 feet down the runway and climbed in a flat, nose-high attitude. It then settled into 30-foot trees about 4,223 feet from the point of lift-off. The flight lasted 20-30 seconds, during which the aircraft oscillated violently two or three times in the pitch axis. Investigation revealed the aircraft was 445 pounds over its maximum gross weight, and its center of gravity was 4.26 inches aft of the aft limit.
Pilot Information
The pilot had taken a checkride on June 9, 1982, to remove a "centerline thrust only" restriction from his multi-engine rating. Of his 62 hours of multi-engine time, 59 were as a copilot. He had no formal training on the C414 aircraft and had received only 2 hours of instruction in conventional multi-engine aircraft. The pilot had never been required to perform weight and balance computations during his military flying or any FAA exam or checkride.
Safety and Regulatory Issues
Company management did not comply with insurance stipulations that required the pilot to attend a Cessna flight training school, and the pilot did not meet the minimum hour requirements. The FAA certificate examiner who conducted the checkride had his certificate revoked on July 10, 1982, and had a history of incomplete or substandard checkrides.
Occupant Injuries
All occupants died from thermal burns and smoke inhalation during the post-crash fire.