The Beechcraft 95 probably needed to reach 85 mph or so to lift off from the 3,000-foot runway. The plane ascended about 75 feet after takeoff, but things quickly changed. The data suggests they sank into a steady downhill run into the terrain. This highlights the potential danger of attempting to take off in complete darkness, as disorientation may have contributed to the crash.
Without any lights on the runway, or on the ground on the island's south side, disorientation is a likely factor in the crash's cause. It’s like an IMAX theater without the screen on; it’s just black. Such conditions create an extremely hazardous environment for pilots, especially during takeoff when visibility is critical.
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