Incident Overview
A flight experienced difficulties from the start, culminating in a crash shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was observed taxiing with difficulty and entered the active runway without clearance before being cleared for takeoff. After departure, witnesses saw the aircraft near a lake flying erratically with the right engine sputtering. The aircraft then dipped toward the water, made a right turn, and the right wing contacted the water, causing the aircraft to cartwheel and crash.
Preflight Events
Before the flight, the pilot and passengers were observed consuming alcoholic beverages while traveling to the airport. After arriving, the aircraft had significant difficulty taxiing to the runway.
Flight and Accident
After entering the active runway without clearance, the flight was cleared for takeoff. The aircraft departed with the landing gear still extended. Shortly after takeoff, witnesses near a lake observed the aircraft flying erratically, with the right engine sputtering. The aircraft then descended toward the water, executed a right turn, and the right wing struck the water, causing the aircraft to cartwheel and crash.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the right engine revealed that the fuel injector line to the #6 cylinder had failed under a rubber grommet due to fatigue. The fuel selectors were found positioned so that both engines would feed from the left outboard tank, a configuration not recommended for takeoff. Additionally, the right propeller had not been feathered.
Toxicology Results
Toxicology tests showed the pilot had a blood alcohol level of 289 mg/dL (0.289%), and the passenger had 146 mg/dL (0.146%).