Accident Overview
Shortly after takeoff, the surviving passenger noticed the aircraft began losing altitude. She reported hearing the pilot comment about a 'clicking noise in the left wing,' which she also heard and described as sounding like metal clicking together. Ground witnesses observed a change in the engine sound. Several witnesses reported an interruption of engine power, but others—including the surviving passenger—did not report a power loss. Subsequently, the aircraft crashed approximately 600 yards south-southeast of the approach end of Runway 29.
Impact and Damage
During impact, the left wing and nose were extensively damaged. After impact, the aircraft traveled only about 37 feet before coming to rest.
Examination Findings
An examination revealed that the #4 exhaust pipe failed next to the welded flange that attached the pipe to the exhaust port. The fractures were discolored by exhaust gases and peened by repeated contact with the mating surfaces, making evaluation difficult. Much of the fracture was 90 degrees to the pipe surface, which is typical of fatigue. The flange had been previously repaired by putting a sleeve of material around the pipe and welding it to the flange. Some areas of the repair weld did not adhere to the sleeve or flange.