Accident Details
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot was informed by the tower that the tail stand, used to prevent the aircraft from tipping on its tail when loaded, was still attached. The pilot requested a teardrop turn to return to the departure runway. While maneuvering back to runway 36R, the aircraft stalled. Recovery was attempted, but the aircraft impacted the ground before completing the level off. The approach controller reported observing a Mode C indication of 700 feet; the airport elevation is 332 feet. The accident occurred during bright night conditions.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a modified Beechcraft TC-45J, initially built in 1943 and rebuilt by Hamilton in 1971. It was found to be 379 pounds over the maximum takeoff weight, and its center of gravity (CG) was at least 3 inches forward of the forward limit. No record of a load manifest was found.
Pilot Information
The pilot, who was the sole occupant and was killed, had low pilot-in-command (PIC) experience. He received 2.7 documented flight hours with the operator's instructor pilot, including a 135 competency check ride of 1.1 hours. The operator's initial training certification for the pilot showed 5 hours of flight training.
Probable Cause (Official Findings)
Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight. Phase of operation: maneuvering - turn to reverse direction. Findings: 1. (f) aircraft preflight - inadequate - pilot in command; 2. (f) aircraft weight and balance - not performed - pilot in command; 3. (f) lack of total experience in type of aircraft - pilot in command; 4. Light condition - bright night; 5. (f) inadequate initial training - company/operator management; 6. (f) diverted attention - pilot in command; 7. (c) airspeed (vs) - not maintained - pilot in command; 8. (c) stall - inadvertent - pilot in command. Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water. Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled.