Shelter Cove Airport Takeoff Accident (N90627)

Accident Overview and Sequence of Events After liftoff from Shelter Cove Airport, the airplane experienced difficulties gaining height. During the climb, the undercarriage struck an electric transformer, and the left engine struck the roof of a sewage disposal building. Shortly afterward, the aircraft entered a left bank and crashed into the sea approximately 150 yards offshore. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.## Casualties The accident resulted in the deaths of both pilots and 15 passengers. Seven other occupants sustained serious injuries.## Probable Cause The official investigation determined that the probable cause was inadequate preflight preparation by the flying crew, who failed to remove the rudder and elevator control locks before takeoff.