What happened
The pilot was conducting a takeoff operation under 14 CFR Part 135 regulations with a light cargo load. The departure occurred from a paved runway measuring 10,000 feet in length and 150 feet in width. During the initial climb phase, the pilot reported that the right engine lost power. In response to this mechanical failure, the pilot reduced power settings.
The aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 50 feet above ground level before descending. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced significantly. The pilot attempted to maintain control, but the aircraft departed the runway surface at a 45-degree angle. During this excursion, the nose landing gear broke off due to ground contact. The right wing cap was destroyed by subsequent ground impact. Despite the extensive structural damage, no engine repair was performed prior to ferrying the aircraft out of the area.
The investigation
A mechanical examination of the aircraft's engines was conducted to determine the root cause of the power loss. The inspection disclosed no malfunction within the engine components that would explain the reported loss of power during the takeoff roll and initial climb.
Findings
The accident occurred under specific weather conditions that likely contributed to the difficulty in controlling the aircraft after the engine failure. The wind was blowing from 30 degrees off the nose at a speed of 12 knots, with gusts reaching higher velocities. This crosswind component, combined with the sudden loss of thrust on one side, created a challenging handling environment.
The sequence of events indicates that the pilot's decision to reduce power and the subsequent bounce led to a loss of directional control. The structural failure of the nose gear and the destruction of the right wing cap were direct results of the aircraft leaving the paved surface at an acute angle. The lack of engine malfunction suggests the power loss may have been transient or related to fuel delivery rather than internal mechanical failure.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of managing crosswind takeoffs, particularly when experiencing partial power loss. Pilots must be prepared for asymmetric thrust scenarios and ensure they maintain adequate airspeed and control authority during the initial climb phase to prevent runway excursions.