Analysis of all available information from the FDR, witness observations, and radar data indicates that, following an apparently normal ground roll, the aircraft failed to achieve a normal rate of climb. Within a few seconds of rotation, the airspeed began to decrease, and, at an altitude of no more than 125 feet above the runway, the aircraft stalled. A rapid descent ensued, and, about 20 seconds after lift-off, the aircraft struck trees on downsloping terrain about 2,900 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. Aircraft pitch attitude and the flight path angle at impact were indicative of an angle of attack of 21 degrees, well beyond the normal stall angle of attack.

The major objective of the investigation was to determine the cause of the significant degradation in normal take-off performance. The investigation and analysis were directed toward the pre-impact serviceability of the aircraft, the take-off weight of the aircraft, and the weather factors. In the absence of a useful cockpit voice recording and because of the limited number of parameters measured by the FDR, it was also necessary to conduct a detailed theoretical analysis of the aircraft's performance. In addition, flight crew performance, load planning and control, company maintenance procedures, flight crew fatigue. flight recorder requirements. and FAA surveillance activities were examined.