Accident Sequence
The aircraft began an intersection takeoff from near the middle of Runway 25, with 2,096 feet of runway remaining. The pilot stated that the takeoff was normal until he began an initial power reduction to 34 inches of manifold pressure and 2,400 RPM. At that time, the left engine reportedly continued to lose power and manifold pressure. The pilot attempted to restore power momentarily, then moved all handles forward and lowered the nose as long as he could to build up speed.
As the aircraft approached an apartment building, the pilot pulled up, but the airplane struck the roof, then impacted in a parking lot and burned. The pilot, a passenger, and a resident of the apartment were burned.
Investigation Findings
During the investigation, no mechanical defects were found that would cause a loss of power. The weather at 1419 CDT was: temperature 85°F, wind from 070° at 8 knots, altimeter 30.07 inches of mercury. The elevation was 2,805 feet.
Weight and Performance Considerations
The distance from the intersection to the apartment building was 2,477 feet. The distance required to clear a 50-foot obstacle would have been 4,000 feet at the maximum gross weight limit. The estimated gross weight was 195 pounds over the 6,100-pound limit. The maximum weight to achieve a single-engine rate of climb at liftoff would have been 5,050 pounds.