Accident Overview
Following a heavy snow shower at the airport, the accident aircraft initiated a departure. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot transmitted his intention to return for landing. The aircraft crashed moments later, approximately one mile southwest of the airport. Ground witnesses reported that the aircraft utilized almost the entire 4,999-foot runway and gradually descended out of sight before the crash.
Prior Aircraft Experience
A Cessna Conquest had departed from the same runway just before the accident aircraft. The Conquest's pilot encountered directional control problems attributed to slush on the runway and airframe icing on their aircraft. Both pilots of the accident aircraft were killed in the crash.
Weather and Runway Conditions
The accident occurred after a heavy snow shower had passed over the airport. The runway was reported to be slush-covered. Temperature extremes were present as a weather condition. The pilot did not perform ice or frost removal from the aircraft before departure.
Pilot Actions and Decision-Making
The pilot's decision-making was characterized as improper. The pilot exhibited overconfidence in the aircraft's ability, and an aborted takeoff was not performed despite the adverse conditions. The aircraft lifted off after using nearly the full runway length, but failed to maintain flight.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause findings include: encounter with snow and temperature extremes during taxi and takeoff roll; slush-covered runway; failure to remove ice/frost from the aircraft by the pilot in command; overconfidence in the aircraft's ability; failure to perform an aborted takeoff; and improper planning and decision-making by the pilot in command, leading to an in-flight collision with terrain during initial climb.