What happened
During the initial climb phase immediately following liftoff, the aircraft's left engine ceased functioning. Because the aircraft was operating at a weight 3,809 pounds above its maximum allowable takeoff gross weight, the crew was unable to maintain sufficient airspeed with only one engine operational. As the plane struggled to climb just above the ground, the pilot attempted an emergency landing. However, the aircraft lost directional control and entered a stall/mush condition, ultimately colliding with the terrain adjacent to the runway. The impact resulted in the collapse of the main landing gear. Both pilots managed to exit the wreckage without any injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several contributing factors related to flight preparation and operational limits. The primary cause was determined to be inadequate preflight planning and preparation by the pilot in command, specifically regarding weight and balance. The aircraft's takeoff mass exceeded legal limits, making it impossible to maintain necessary airspeed following the loss of engine power. While the left engine failed during the climb, a subsequent examination of the powerplant revealed no mechanical malfunctions. Additionally, the landing gear failure was attributed to an overload during the forced landing attempt.