What happened
During a flight intended for fire control operations between McGrath and Galena, an aircraft lost control immediately following liftoff from McGrath Airport. The plane struck trees and subsequently erupted into flames upon impact. The accident resulted in five fatalities, including one crew member and four passengers, while several other occupants sustained serious injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the crash revealed that the loss of control was primarily due to a distraction during critical flight operations. Specifically, the pilot had rotated at V2 speed but subsequently reduced engine power after the co-pilot initiated the retraction of the landing gear. This sequence led to a situation where the right main gear remained in contact with the runway surface during the retraction process. As a result, the propeller struck the ground, contributing to the loss of control and the subsequent collision with high obstructions.