Accident Overview
On July 24, 2011, at approximately 0920 central daylight time, a Piper PA-46-350P, registration N46TW, was substantially damaged when it impacted powerlines and terrain during takeoff from runway 27 at the Rantoul National Aviation Center Airport-Frank Elliott Field (TIP), near Rantoul, Illinois. A post-impact ground fire ensued. The personal flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, with visual meteorological conditions prevailing. An instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed. The pilot and two passengers sustained fatal injuries. The flight was originating from TIP and destined for Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) near Sarasota, Florida.
Witness Accounts
A witness employed at the fixed base operator reported that the pilot performed the preflight inspection of the airplane inside a hangar. Approximately 80 pounds of luggage was loaded behind the rear seat. The witness stated that the pilot's wife told the pilot she needed to use the restroom, to which the pilot replied to “hurry because a storm front was coming.” The engine start was normal, and both passengers occupied the rear forward-facing seats during taxi.
Another witness, a commercial pilot at the airport, observed the airplane take off from runway 27 and begin a turn to the south. The landing gear was retracted when the airplane reached about 500 feet above ground level. The witness noted that a weather front was arriving, with strong winds from the northwest that appeared to “push the tail of the plane up and the nose down.” The airplane then descended and struck powerlines and terrain, after which it caught fire. The witness indicated that the engine was producing power until impact.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident, as determined by the official investigation, was that the pilot did not maintain airplane control during takeoff with approaching thunderstorms. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to depart into adverse weather conditions.