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2. The aircraft was loaded to within the c.g. limits and was under the maximum gross takeoff weight limitation.
3. Takeoff was normal and the landing gear and landing lights were retracted after the aircraft became airborne. The landing lights were not turned off after retraction.
4. The aircraft made a slight right turn then a left turn exceeding 25 degrees of bank, rolled out and proceeded in an approximately straight line until it impacted Sweeney's Ridge.
5. The engines were functioning properly and were operating at a high rate of power at impact.
6. There were navigation instruments in the cockpit that were giving accurate heading and cross-check information at the time of the accident.
(b) Probable Cause
The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was that the pilot, for undetermined reasons, deviated from departure course into an area of rising terrain where downdraft activity and turbulence affected the climb capability of the aircraft sufficiently to prevent terrain clearance.
BY THE CIVIL AERONAUTICS BOARD:
/s/ CHARLES S. MURPHY
Chairman
/s/ ROBERT T. MURPHY
Vice Chairman
/s/ G. JOSEPH MINETTI
Member
/s/ WHITNEY GILLILLAND
Member
/s/ JOHN G. ADAMS
Member
