The airplane was substantially damaged at about 0718 Pacific time when it impacted terrain during initial climb. The solo commercial pilot was killed. Visual conditions prevailed. A witness in the ATC tower observed the accident airplane depart, reporting it appeared to be “on a normal climb.” As the airplane was about one-half mile beyond the departure end of the runway, it entered an abrupt climb at an approximate 90-degree angle. The witness further stated that the airplane climbed for approximately 200 feet, nosed over, “descended very steeply,” and impacted terrain.
