Accident Details
Shortly after taking off from Stellar Airpark, the aircraft was observed by multiple witnesses flying northbound with smoke trailing from the left engine. One witness, a student pilot, reported that the landing gear was down and the aircraft was flying lower than normal, approximately 500 feet above ground level. Another witness, an airline captain, noted that the left engine was "pulled back" and windmilling; initially, he believed the flight was a training exercise.
The aircraft was then seen initiating a right turn, after which it rolled to the left, crashed, and burned approximately 1.3 miles north of the approach end of Runway 17.
Engine Inspection
A disassembly inspection of the left engine revealed significant damage. The #5 piston and cylinder were compromised: a hole had burned through the top forward edge of the piston, extending below the oil control ring. The top compression ring was fractured, and the cylinder wall was scored. Additionally, the piston dome was deformed and cracked. Small metal particles were found in the oil filter element. Aside from these findings, the engine was otherwise unremarkable.
Weight
The aircraft was estimated to be approximately 100 pounds over its maximum weight limit at the time of the accident.