Accident Overview
An airplane crashed into slightly rising terrain shortly after takeoff in dark night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The impact occurred with the aircraft in a 15° left bank and a slight nose-up attitude during descent. The wreckage came to rest after traveling 837 feet through brush beyond the initial impact point, which was 3,987 feet from the departure end of the runway.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that the takeoff was normal in all aspects and that all airplane systems were operating normally. The last recollection was passing through 8,500 feet with a climb rate of 1,500 feet per minute. The airport elevation was 7,091 feet. The difference between the takeoff heading and the impact heading was 75°. The pilot did not recall hearing the radio altimeter alert or seeing the warning light activate. Rain and snow showers were present in the area, and the environment was devoid of visible ground reference lights.
Investigation
No evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction was found during the investigation. Rescue of the occupants was delayed due to weather, darkness, and spurious emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signals masked by the wreckage. The official investigation determined that the accident occurred because the pilot in command failed to maintain the climb after departing the runway environment, with weather conditions and dark night cited as contributing factors.
Probable Cause
The pilot in command's failure to maintain the climb after departing the runway environment. Factors were the weather conditions and the dark night.