What happened
During the initial climb phase following a takeoff from runway 35L, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control at an altitude below 100 feet. The pilot reported that while the flight was underway, the co-pilot inadvertently reduced power to both the right engine and the left propeller. In an attempt to recover, the pilot applied forward pressure on the yoke and tried to restore takeoff power; however, the aircraft could not be stabilized and struck the ground in a grassy area adjacent to the runway.
There was also a possibility that cargo within the cabin moved toward the rear of the plane during the takeoff roll. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and left both pilots with serious injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several critical contributing factors. A primary cause was the failure to properly secure cargo, which allowed it to shift toward the rear, creating an unstable aft center of gravity. This weight imbalance contributed to an inadvertent stall and a loss of airspeed.
Additionally, the crew's management of engine power was cited as a factor, specifically the co-pilot's reduction of thrust during the climb. The findings also noted that the pilot in command failed to maintain adequate airspeed and that the co-pilot lacked sufficient experience with this specific aircraft type. Furthermore, it was determined that the aircraft's weight and balance parameters had been exceeded.