Synopsis
An airplane took off from runway 31 under challenging weather conditions. The ceiling was low, and visibility varied between 1/4 mile and 1/16 mile. Winds were from 290 degrees at 38 knots, gusting to 47 knots. Shortly after departure, the aircraft lost control and crashed.
Witness Account
A witness reported that the airplane became airborne no more than two minutes after engine start. The aircraft was heard and seen approximately 1/4 mile northeast of the airport at low altitude. It then climbed into the clouds.
Impact and Fire
The airplane struck the terrain in an almost flat attitude, about 1/8 mile beyond the witness's location. The impact and subsequent post-impact fire demolished the aircraft. All five occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified the primary occurrence as a loss of control during the initial climb phase of takeoff. Contributing factors included inadequate preflight planning by the pilot in command, an inadvertent stall, and adverse weather conditions such as low ceiling, obscuration, and snow. This led to an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain. A secondary occurrence involved a post-impact fire.