The airplane was substantially damaged at about 2225 Eastern time following a collision with trees and terrain after takeoff. The commercial pilot and one pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured; one passenger received serious injuries. Night visual conditions prevailed; an IFR flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The flight departed, but radio and radar contact with ATC was not established. The airplane crashed about 0.37 nm southwest of the departure end of Runway 23. The airplane wreckage was found inverted in a wooded area, on a heading of 090 degrees. All structural components of the airplane were located within the area of the main wreckage. A post-crash fire consumed a majority of the cockpit, cabin and left wing. The landing gear were found in the extended position and the wing flaps were found in the takeoff position.
