Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the pilot in command to maintain airspeed during the initial climb, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the ground. Factors were the inadequate preflight planning and preparation of the pilot in command in that he operated the aircraft in excess of the maximum gross weight.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airline transport pilot (front cockpit) and commercial pilot (rear cockpit) were taking off from a private grass strip. The airstrip owner heard the aircraft engine at full power, then he heard the engine noise resonate followed by the sound of the crash. He compared this sound to that of an aircraft in a spin. The aircraft was found in an upright position in an open pasture adjacent to the runway. Damage to the aircraft was indicative of a left wing low, nose low impact with substantial vertical force. Both wings were broken forward, the left wing spars were broken at the strut attach points as well as other places. It was estimated that the aircraft was being operated at about 92 pounds in excess of the maximum allowable gross weight at the time of the accident. A determination as to which pilot was acting as pilot in command was not made.
Source record
Factual narrative
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