Preliminary Report: Cargo flight fata for pilot

Bombardier DHC-6 Twin Otter 100, Hyannis, Mass., June 18, 2008–The Wiggins Airways Twin Otter was substantially damaged when it crashed during takeoff from Hyannis’s Barnstable Municipal Airport, killing the ATP-rated pilot. An IFR flight plan to Nantucket was filed for the cargo flight, but VMC prevailed at takeoff. A witness said he found it strange that the airplane did not stop to “rev” up but immediately taxied onto the runway and took off. The witness said the engine sound did not seem to increase as the airplane took off. He reported that as soon as the Twin Otter got into the air, it began a steep left bank, then disappeared behind trees. The turboprop is registered to Piper East, Manchester, N.H.