What happened
During the initial climb phase, the aircraft departed from runway 05, which features a 1.2-degree upward slope. Witnesses observed the aircraft at an altitude of roughly 10 feet above the ground, noting that the plane maintained a nose-high attitude but was traveling parallel to the terrain rather than gaining altitude. After passing a 6-foot fence located at the end of the runway, the aircraft struck a utility pole and the roof of a bus stop before ultimately impacting a brick wall.
At the time of the incident, runway 23, which possesses a 1.2-degree downward slope and an unobstructed departure area, was an available alternative for takeoff. No mechanical or component failures were identified during the inspection of the aircraft and its various systems.
Findings
Investigations into the accident revealed that the actual load of the aircraft exceeded its maximum useful load of 1,201.7 pounds. While the basic empty weight of the aircraft was 3,097 pounds, there was no documentation indicating that the pilot had performed a weight and balance calculation before departure.
Medical examinations of the pilot showed no presence of alcohol, drugs, cyanide, or carbon monoxide. However, toxicology results noted a glucose level of 1175(mg/dl) in the urine. The primary contributing factor was the overweight condition of the aircraft during takeoff.