Accident Overview
The accident sequence began immediately after the aircraft took off from Belize City-Philip S. W. Goldson Airport. During the initial climb, the left engine ceased to operate. In response to the loss of thrust on one side, the airplane banked sharply to the left. The aircraft then lost airspeed and entered an aerodynamic stall. With insufficient altitude to recover, the airplane crashed into a densely forested area in the proximity of the airport.
The crash resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. One crew member suffered fatal injuries, while the other pilot sustained non-fatal injuries.
An investigation into the accident was conducted. It was established that at the time of departure, the aircraft's gross weight exceeded the maximum takeoff weight by 500 pounds. This overweight condition was considered likely to have contributed to the failure of the left engine.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was determined to be failure of the left engine shortly after rotation and aircraft overloaded.