Incident Overview
A pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, at approximately 500 feet above ground level, the left propeller feathered by itself and the left engine quit. The pilot was unable to restart the engine. He elected to divert to Rolla, Missouri, and land at the National Airport, which had a longer runway. While en route, the pilot radioed that the aircraft would not maintain altitude, and subsequently reported that the right engine was smoking. Flight Service Station personnel observed smoke coming from the aircraft and initiated fire and rescue procedures. After the right engine lost power, the aircraft struck trees, crashed, and burned.
Investigation Findings
An investigation revealed that the aircraft had been fueled with unleaded 87 octane automotive gasoline. The owner had obtained 500 gallons of unleaded automotive fuel on November 11, 1982. An examination of the left engine disclosed erosion of the number 1, 5, and 6 piston crowns; black oil containing aluminum fragments and silicone rubber gasket cement; and overheating of the number 4 and 5 main bearings. Examination of the right engine revealed detonation damage on the number 3 piston, a flame path through the number 4 cylinder (under the exhaust valve), melted aluminum on the valve heads and piston crowns, two broken rings, and other discrepancies.
Probable Cause
The source does not state a probable cause for this accident.
Safety Information
No safety recommendations or conclusions are provided in the source material.