Accident Overview
A twin turbo-prop airplane, operated by a private pilot under an instrument flight rules flight plan, crashed shortly after takeoff. The pilot, who held an instrument rating and had accumulated 2,893 total flight hours with over 765 hours in the same make and model, was conducting a planned 169-nautical mile cross-country flight.
Flight Sequence
After becoming airborne, the flight was cleared for a left turn and instructed to contact air route traffic control center. The pilot established radio contact with center on 133.1 and reported climbing through 4,900 feet for assigned 7,000 feet. Radar data showed the aircraft climbing through 5,500 feet before beginning a descent. No distress calls were received.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the accident, the reported weather at the departure airport included winds from 010 degrees at 15 knots, 700 feet overcast ceiling, and 3 miles visibility in mist.
Impact and Damage
The aircraft impacted terrain approximately 1.7 miles northwest of the departure airport. Signatures at the initial point of impact were consistent with a nose-low ground impact in a slight right bank. A post-impact fire consumed the airplane.
Investigation Findings
No discrepancies or anomalies were found at the accident site that could have prevented normal operation of the airplane.