What happened
Prior to the accident, the pilot transported cargo consisting of food and supplies from a base in Nikiski to a lodge. Following this initial leg, the pilot proceeded to Soldotna Airport to collect nine passengers and their luggage. During the departure from Soldotna, the aircraft impacted the ground approximately 2,320 feet from the runway threshold and 154 feet to the right of the centerline. The impact resulted in a significant post-crash fire that destroyed much of the cockpit and cabin area.
Analysis of recovered video footage from a passenger's smartphone captured the takeoff sequence. The footage showed the aircraft accelerating through liftoff, followed by a period where the pitch angle increased steadily. Eventually, the ground speed dropped from 68 mph to 44 mph as the aircraft experienced a sharp right roll and entered a stall. Investigation of the wreckage confirmed that the engine and propeller were functional at the time of impact and no mechanical failures were found in the flight control systems. The pilot was found to be properly certified and toxicology results were negative.
Findings
Investigation into the aircraft's configuration revealed that the flaps were set to the full-down landing position, which was contrary to the recommended procedures in the airplane flight manual. This setting likely increased the downwash on the tail, contributing to a nose-up pitching moment.
While the initial cargo weight was estimated at 300 lbs, the actual weight was significantly higher, approximately 2.4 times the amount listed on the load manifest. The total weight of the cargo and baggage exceeded the capacity of the installed cargo net. When accounting for the actual weights of the passengers, baggage, and cargo, the aircraft's total weight exceeded the 8,000 lbs maximum gross weight by approximately 21 lbs.
Crucially, the distribution of this weight caused the center of gravity to be significantly aft of the 152.2-inch limit. This extreme aft center of gravity created a pitching moment that the pilot could not overcome with full nose-down elevator input, leading to the aerodynamic stall.