Accident Overview
An emergency medical service flight crashed during takeoff from a runway with an uphill grade of 2.2 percent, which was published as restricted to landings only. The aircraft was operating near its maximum gross weight with a tailwind estimated between 4 and 15 knots by ground witnesses. The temperature was about 100 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a density altitude of approximately 3,200 feet.
Flight Details
The flight was dispatched to transport a patient. Upon arrival at the destination airport, the pilot was advised by unicom to land on runway 25. After landing, the aircraft was refueled and the patient boarded. The pilot then back-taxied on runway 25 and initiated an uphill takeoff. After becoming airborne, the pilot executed an immediate left turn to avoid rising terrain. During the turn, the left tip tank contacted the ground, and the aircraft cartwheeled, coming to rest approximately 711 feet from the departure end of the runway. The flaps and landing gear were found fully extended; the published takeoff data in the flight manual specified a configuration of 'wing flaps - up.'
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and selection of the wrong runway for takeoff. Factors related to the accident included the uphill slope of the runway, tailwind, high density altitude, and the pilot's failure to correctly configure the flaps for takeoff.