What happened
Following departure from an uncontrolled public airport, the aircraft impacted rising terrain. The runway used for the takeoff, which features a 1.8 percent upward gradient and a length of 4,600 feet, was utilized for most of its length before the pilot initiated rotation. During the initial climb, the aircraft maintained a pitch attitude that was higher than normal. Witnesses observed the plane turning left to follow the path of a canyon, eventually heading toward rising terrain.
Observers near the site noted that the aircraft was flying at a low altitude with a nose-high attitude and appeared to be wallowing before it descended into a drainage area located 0.69 miles from the runway. The impact occurred within a canyon, and the resulting wreckage and ground scarring were contained within an area roughly equal to the aircraft's wingspan. A post-accident fire consumed much of the airframe and most engine accessories, though all primary airframe and powerplant components remained at the crash site.
Findings
An inspection of the engines following the accident identified worn tappets and camshaft lobes, which likely hindered the engines' ability to generate full rated power. Additionally, one engine showed significant rust across the entire crankshaft. Environmental conditions at the time of the accident included a density altitude of 4,937 feet msl and a slight quartering tailwind.