Accident Overview
A cargo flight operating from Detroit to Wilmington experienced a stall and subsequent crash shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was loaded to approximately 20 pounds below its maximum allowable gross weight of 48,000 pounds. Departing from runway 21L, the aircraft climbed to an altitude of about 200 feet when it suffered vibrations and then stalled. The aircraft impacted a field located 2,050 feet beyond the departure end of the runway, sliding for approximately 448 feet before coming to rest. Both wings were partially sheared off during the accident sequence. Both pilots successfully evacuated the aircraft, which was subsequently written off.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a loss of lift during takeoff resulting from airframe icing. This icing was caused by inadequate deicing and preflight inspection. Specifically, the airplane had been improperly deiced prior to takeoff, leaving a layer of ice approximately 3 mm thick on the wings at the time of the accident.