What happened
The initial takeoff roll and early climb phase appeared normal. As the aircraft progressed approximately three-quarters of the way down the runway, it reached an altitude between 150 and 200 feet. At this point, while still within airport boundaries, the plane assumed a very steep, near-vertical climbing attitude.
Ground observers, including tower and flight personnel, believed the flight was in difficulty. Although no distress signal was received from the cockpit, the control tower immediately contacted crash and fire rescue services on the field.
At an altitude between 500 and 800 feet, the aircraft appeared to stall, causing the nose and right wing to drop. The crew managed a partial recovery from the stall before the plane crashed to the ground and burst into flames. 12 occupants were killed in the accident, while one passenger was seriously injured.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the loss of longitudinal control of the airplane. The specific reason for this loss of control remains undetermined.