Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot in command not removing the ice from the plane's airfoil surfaces before takeoff. The weather condition was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane was removed from a hanger about one hour before departure. During the interim period, the ambient temperature was about 32 degrees fahrenheit and it was snowing lightly. No deicing fluid was used on the airplane. The pilot reported observing only water on the plane's wings. The passenger (a rated pilot) reported to an alaska state trooper that the airplane had accumulated a little ice before the flight departed. The airplane became airborne about 1,000 ft from the end of the 5,576 ft long runway. Shortly after rotation, the airplane began to buffet and would not climb. The airplane impacted in a near horizontal attitude on level snow covered tundra. The pilot reported that immediately after exiting the airplane, he observed a coarse layer of ice on the aft two thirds of the wings. During the test run of both engines, no problems were noted that would have caused and/or contributed toward the inability of the airplane to sustain flight.
Source record
Factual narrative
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