What happened
The aircraft was in the climbout phase when smoke began to fill the cabin. Shortly after the onset of smoke, the engine ceased operation. Ground witnesses observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment just prior to the aircraft impacting a large woodpile located behind a house situated approximately one-half mile east of the airport.
The investigation
A post-accident examination revealed that the left intermediate exhaust pipe, specifically the 90-degree elbow, had separated from the exhaust crossover tube leading to the turbocharger. This separation allowed intense, hot exhaust gases to flow directly into the engine compartment. Further inspection showed that the flange at the opposite end of the elbow was cracked. Evidence indicated that both the gasket and the flanges had been misaligned during a previous repair. This repair to the exhaust system had been performed approximately one month before the accident occurred.