What happened
The incident began with an aborted takeoff attempt, which was initiated after the pilot identified a suspected engine issue. Approximately six minutes later, a second takeoff was attempted. During this second departure, the aircraft type reached an altitude of 50 feet before drifting toward the right side of the runway. The aircraft subsequently entered a right roll and struck the infield area.
The sole occupant of the aircraft, the pilot, sustained fatal injuries in the crash. Post-accident inspections of both engines and propellers revealed no mechanical failures or operational defects; both units were confirmed to be producing power at the moment of impact. At the time of the accident, the engine power levers were positioned with the right engine at takeoff power and the left engine near flight idle, while the propeller condition levers remained in the taxi position.
Findings
Investigation into the crash identified several contributing environmental and operational factors. The airport was experiencing significant weather challenges, specifically strong, gusty winds ranging from 15 to 30 knots that shifted between southwest and northwest directions. These conditions resulted in crosswinds that exceeded the aircraft's demonstrated limitations.
Operational findings indicated that the pilot was managing a complex aircraft alone, leading to excessive workload and task overload. Additionally, there was no evidence that the pilot was utilizing the shoulder harness or seat belt during the flight. The investigation also noted difficulties with directional control and improper adherence to procedures during the night operations.