Accident Overview
A twin engine airplane experienced difficulties gaining altitude after takeoff from Lajitas Airfield. The aircraft subsequently struck power cables and crashed, bursting into flames. The pilot and one passenger were killed, while eight other occupants sustained injuries, five of them serious.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a collision with wires/poles during initial climb after the pilot selected the wrong runway relative to existing wind. The following contributing factors were reported:
- The pilot misused or failed to use flaps.
- The pilot failed to abort takeoff.
- Airport conditions.
- High density altitude, about 4,800 feet.
- Rough/uneven terrain.
- 1% upslope runway.
- Aircraft near maximum gross weight.
- Aircraft center of gravity at limit.
- Wind gusting 15 knots.
Occupants and Injuries
There were ten occupants on board: the pilot, one passenger, and eight others. The pilot and the passenger were killed; the eight other occupants were injured, with five seriously injured.