20091021050529A

On October 21, 2009, about 0624 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-23-250, N62635, was destroyed when it impacted trees and terrain immediately after takeoff from the Summerville Airport (dyb), Summerville, south carolina. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan, with a destination of st. lucie county international airport (fpr), ft. pierce, Florida, was filed. The certificated commercial pilot/owner and the three passengers were fatally injured. The flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 code of federal regulations part 91.the airplane was destroyed by impact forces and post crash fire. The airplane impacted the ground in a wooded area 584 feet from the centerline, and approximately 2/3 of the way along, runway 24. The first tree that the airplane impacted was 74 feet beyond the boundary of the wooded area. The surrounding trees were approximately 80 feet high. The tree and ground scars indicated a left-wing low attitude as the airplane entered the trees and the airplane came to rest 93 feet from the point of first tree strike. The debris path was oriented on a 102 degree heading, and the wreckage was oriented on a 360 degree heading. The left wing outboard fuel tank was located along the debris path, 45 feet from the initial tree impact. It exhibited extensive impact damage, and was devoid of fuel. Several individuals who lived in houses located southeast and northwest of the airport heard the accident flight. One witness heard the airplane's engines start up, and observed the airplane during its takeoff roll from runway 24. However, due to the location of the trees on his property, the witness was unable to see the airplane during its initial climb phase. Another witness reported that around 0615 she heard the airplane when it was "in the place where the airplanes sit before they take off", and that the engine sounds changed pitch twice. The witness's imitation of the sound was similar to the sound of the propellers being cycled during the pre-takeoff engine run-up. Most witnesses reported noticing that the sound of the engines was "loud." Some witnesses reported that the runway lights were not illuminated prior to the accident. Post accident activation by both the airport manager and the arriving medical helicopter revealed that all the lights illuminated correctly. The 0615 reported weather observation at dyb included calm winds; visibility 10 miles, clear skies,temperature 4 degrees c, dew point 3 degrees c; altimeter 30.26 inches of mercury.