What happened
The incident occurred during the takeoff climb phase at an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level. The engine seized unexpectedly while the aircraft was climbing. Following the mechanical failure, the pilot initiated a forced landing maneuver. During this emergency descent, the aircraft made contact with trees before coming to rest.
The investigation
A detailed examination of the aircraft's propulsion system was conducted to determine the root cause of the sudden power loss. Mechanics disassembled the turbo section of the engine to inspect internal components. The inspection revealed that the blower section had separated from the rest of the unit. Further analysis by a mechanic who performed the teardown indicated that a ball bearing race within the turbocharger had completely disintegrated. This structural failure allowed the internal gears of the turbocharger unit to misalign, leading to the seizure of the engine.
Findings
The primary mechanical issue was identified as a failure within the turbocharger assembly. The disintegration of the ball bearing race caused the blower section to separate and the internal gears to lose proper alignment. This sequence of mechanical failures resulted in the immediate seizure of the engine during a critical phase of flight.