Accident Sequence
During a takeoff attempt, the airplane veered to the right shortly after rotation was initiated at 500 feet down the runway, with the airspeed at redline. It subsequently struck a taxiway sign, a fence, and a light pole, coming to rest between two buildings.
Pilot Statements
The pilot in command, seated in the right seat, reported that a preflight and run-up inspection had been completed successfully. He stated that a pilot-rated passenger seated in the left front seat was following a placard checklist. After acceleration on runway 7, rotation was started, and the airplane turned right. The right engine surged, and while the pilot noted the matched power levers, he did not record the engine power instruments. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction.
A passenger seated in a forward-facing seat behind the pilot stated that the pilot-rated passenger's hand was on the throttle (yellow-knobbed handles) at the time of the accident.
Weather and Takeoff Minimums
Reported visibility was 1/8 mile in fog. The prescribed takeoff minimums for that airport were 400 feet and 1 mile visibility, indicating that conditions were below those minima.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the engines and their systems after the accident revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction, consistent with the pilot's report.
Probable Cause
The official finding stated that the probable cause was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff/ground run, resulting in an inflight collision with a fence. Related factors were the pilot's poor planning/decision making, and the fog.