Crash of a Beechcraft C-45H Expeditor in Lakewood

Date & Time: Sep 7, 1970 at 1715 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N9961Z
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Lakewood - Kenosha
MSN:
AF-751
YOM:
1954
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
6150
Captain / Total hours on type:
80.00
Circumstances:
Following a short takeoff roll, the pilot initiated a left turn at low height when the airplane struck trees and crashed in flames in a wooded area. All seven occupants were injured, one seriously, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Premature lift-off on part of the pilot who failed to obtain/maintain flying speed. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Rotation at mid-field,
- Presence of 60 feet tall trees.
Final Report: