Accident Overview
Shortly after takeoff from Everett-Paine Field Airport, a twin-engine airplane experienced difficulties maintaining a climb, stalled, and crashed. The accident resulted in serious injuries to two passengers and fatalities to five other occupants.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be a stall during initial climb due to inadequate preflight preparation on the part of the pilot. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Airframe ice
- Improperly loaded aircraft
- Aircraft was 1,000 lbs over maximum gross weight
- Center of gravity (CofG) was 1.59 inches behind the aft limit
- Ice and snow were present on the wings and tail prior to takeoff
Occupants and Injuries
A total of seven occupants were aboard the aircraft at the time of the accident. Two passengers sustained serious injuries, while the remaining five occupants were killed.