Accident Overview
The airplane involved in the accident was over its maximum gross weight at takeoff but remained within weight and balance limits at the time of the crash. Witnesses observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude over a wooded area with its landing gear retracted. The airplane then banked left and pitched nose-down, followed by a nose-up pitch that transitioned into a flat spin to the left. It subsequently descended and impacted the ground in an upright attitude, with the landing gear still retracted and the flaps symmetrically extended to 6 degrees.
Systems Examination
Post-accident examination of the flight control system and both engines revealed no evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction. The cabin door ajar indicating light was not illuminated at impact, but the landing gear warning light was illuminated.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had recently purchased the aircraft and had accumulated only 1 hour 23 minutes of flight time during six training flights. After completing those training flights, he logged an additional 3 hours 37 minutes while flying with other qualified pilots. The accident flight was his first time operating the make and model without another multiengine-rated pilot on board.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (VMC). A contributing factor was his lack of total experience in that type of aircraft.