What happened
During the takeoff roll on Runway 19, the crew performed standard engine checks, increasing manifold pressure to 52 inches of highly pressurized mercury. Witnesses observed black smoke emitting from the left engine immediately following the start of the takeoff run, which appeared longer than typical for this aircraft type. As the aircraft climbed to an altitude between 200 and 300 feet, the left engine began misfiring. After the landing gear was retracted, the malfunction worsened, leading the crew to feather the left propeller.
While attempting a left turn to return to the airport at an altitude of approximately 400 to 500 feet, the airspeed dropped significantly to between 85 and 90 knots. The aircraft began to descend toward the flat, marshy terrain ahead. The plane struck the ground while maintaining a level attitude, sliding northeast for roughly 620 feet before colliding with large trees and rotating 180 degrees. The crew members were ejected from the wreckage; the captain subsequently succumbed to his injuries, resulting in one fatality.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several critical contributing factors. The primary cause was determined to be the overloading of the aircraft, as it had been dispatched approximately 5,000 pounds above its maximum gross weight due to improper loading and dispatch protocols. Additionally, maintenance deficiencies were noted, including the fact that the aircraft had exceeded its 80-hour inspection interval. Both engines suffered from inadequate maintenance, specifically regarding defective ignition systems, which contributed to the engine failure during the initial climb.