Overview
On a Sunday afternoon, a TU-6A Beaver aircraft, operated by the Rhode Island Army National Guard, crashed shortly after takeoff from Burlington, Vermont. The accident occurred during a snow squall, resulting in fatal injuries to the pilot and four passengers. The aircraft was destroyed.
Flight Details
The aircraft was borrowed by LTC Mendes of the U.S. 1st Army on the previous Saturday from the Rhode Island Army National Guard. The official purpose was to deliver a helicopter part to the Vermont Army National Guard, but LTC Mendes claimed he needed additional flight time for certification. The flight departed from Theodore Francis Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, en route to Burlington, Vermont, with two stops contrary to the filed flight plan. At Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts, three unauthorized civilians boarded the aircraft. At Laconia, New Hampshire, another unauthorized civilian joined. The group stayed overnight in Burlington.
Accident Sequence
On Sunday afternoon, the TU-6A took off from Burlington in a serious snow squall. Shortly after lift-off, LTC Mendes radioed that he was experiencing trouble with an aileron. The aircraft subsequently spun into the ground and was destroyed. No preflight check was completed prior to departure.
Probable Cause
The official findings state that the aircraft stalled after takeoff due to an excessive accumulation of ice on the wings and fuselage. The accident was attributed to poor flight preparation, as the aircraft was not deiced before departure.