Flight Information
The pilot was initially assigned runway 05, which had a length of 7,500 feet and a favoring 4-knot quartering headwind. The pilot instead requested runway 14, which measured 4,498 feet, for takeoff with a 4-knot quartering tailwind.
Accident Sequence
Ground witnesses and the control tower observed the aircraft using nearly all of the runway during the takeoff roll. After an abrupt rotation, the controller saw the aircraft yaw to the left and execute a low-altitude left turn. Seconds later, the aircraft rapidly descended into trees and caught fire.
Wreckage and Engine Examination
The left propeller was found in the feathered position, and the left engine was consumed by ground fire. Examination revealed no evidence of any internal engine failure. The engine had accumulated 43 hours since its last major overhaul.
Previous Maintenance and Pilot Information
A witness reported hearing a series of loud backfires during a takeoff 25 days prior to the accident. Injector nozzles on the right engine were replaced to correct the problem after six hours of operation one week later. The pilot's log showed no recent training in single-engine procedures.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause findings are as follows:
- Occurrence #1: Loss of engine power during takeoff. Findings: reason for occurrence undetermined; wrong runway selected by pilot-in-command; overconfidence in personal ability by pilot-in-command.
- Occurrence #2: Loss of control in flight during takeoff initial climb. Findings: weather condition of low ceiling; tailwind; airspeed (Vmc) not maintained by pilot-in-command.
- Occurrence #3: In-flight collision with object during uncontrolled descent. Finding: object was tree(s).
- Occurrence #4: In-flight collision with terrain/water during uncontrolled descent. Finding: terrain condition was ground.