Fatal Night Takeoff Collision with Trees (N3538R)

Incident Overview and Witness Accounts The pilot filed an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) clearance and departed on runway 30 after dark. The airport manager, who was in his living quarters preparing for dinner, observed the takeoff and reported that the initial height appeared normal. He did not hear unusual sounds, though he noted what he believed were rifle shots. Another witness reported hearing a loud pop, followed by engine sputtering and a crash sound. ## Wreckage and Investigation Findings The aircraft wreckage was located approximately 1.5 miles northwest of the airport. The investigation determined that the aircraft had collided with trees, with debris scattered over an area roughly 1,000 feet long. Examinations of the wreckage revealed twisted and bent propeller blades. All flight controls were recovered and examined, with no preimpact failures identified. No preimpact malfunction or failure of the engines was found, and no bullet impact marks were present on any piece of the wreckage. ## Casualties All eight occupants of the aircraft were killed in the accident.