Introduction
A private pilot operating a twin-engine airplane on a personal flight experienced an accident during takeoff. The airplane was destroyed after impacting trees and catching fire, but the pilot egressed with minor injuries.
Takeoff Sequence
According to the investigation, the takeoff roll proceeded normally until the airplane accelerated to between 75 and 80 knots. At that point, the pilot slowly pulled back on the yoke, and the airplane began to climb. After raising the landing gear, the pilot noticed that the airplane was not continuing to climb and that the airspeed remained at 80 knots. The stall warning horn then activated. Shortly thereafter, the airplane struck trees approximately one-quarter mile from the end of the runway, caught fire, and was destroyed.
Performance Parameters
The airplane's published minimum control speed was 86 knots, while the recommended speed to break ground and climb was 106 knots. The pilot's attempt to rotate and climb the airplane below 80 knots occurred at a speed significantly lower than these published values.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was stated as the pilot's failure to obtain proper takeoff speed before breaking ground, which resulted in the airplane's failure to gain altitude and a collision with trees and terrain.