Accident Sequence
The aircraft was conducting a local test flight prior to a planned crop spraying mission. During takeoff, after a ground run of 250 to 280 meters, the pilot-in-command initiated rotation. The airplane failed to achieve a positive rate of climb, struck tree tops, entered an aerodynamic stall, and crashed inverted in a field. The wreckage came to rest 78 meters beyond the point of initial tree contact, approximately 1,037 meters from the start of the takeoff roll.
Aircraft Damage
The impact destroyed the aircraft. All three persons on board were killed.
Probable Cause
Official findings determined that the aircraft's takeoff weight exceeded the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) by 779 kilograms. The takeoff roll was insufficient, and the pilot-in-command rotated prematurely. Due to inadequate airspeed, the airplane could not sustain a positive climb rate or maintain a proper climb path.