I recall an accident quite a few years ago where Bonanza crashed on take off. After initially lifting off it failed to stay airborne and subsequently hit trees rupturing the fuel tanks with resultant fuel fire. The aircraft eventually came to rest in a creek but my recollection (which may be somewhat rusty!) is that the occupants escaped.
The press praised the skill of the pilot for steering the aircraft into the creek where the water extinguished the fire.
Subsequently came out that the aircraft was overloaded and out of its rear C of G !!
The moral of this story - in many cases the final outcome of an incident like this is pure luck!
R