Accident Details
An airplane departed from an airport and crashed shortly after takeoff. Prior to departure, the aircraft was fueled with 120 gallons of 100LL aviation fuel. According to the refueler, the airplane had full fuel tanks. The refueler also indicated that the pilot had stated his intention to become airborne before the arrival of bad weather.
Investigation
After the accident, the engines and propellers were disassembled and examined. No engine or propeller discrepancies were noted, with the exception of heat damage resulting from the impact and subsequent fire.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude or clearance above the ground after takeoff. A related factor was the pilot's self-induced pressure to depart before the arrival of bad weather.