Accident Summary
A pilot was returning to his home airport under visual flight rules (VFR) at 1,500 feet MSL. After initiating a slow climb to 3,000 feet, the pilot noticed a drop in propeller RPM on the right engine. The passenger reported oil leaking from that engine. The pilot shut down and feathered the right engine. Unable to maintain altitude or airspeed on the left engine alone, the pilot elected to make an off-airport landing on a closed highway.
During the approach, the left propeller struck a powerline. The pilot could not regain control of the airplane before it impacted the ground. A post-impact fire ensued, which caused extensive damage to the oil lines and exterior of the engine, preventing determination of the oil leak's origin.
Investigation Findings
An engine teardown of the right engine revealed no internal discrepancies. However, the post-impact fire damaged the oil lines and engine exterior too severely to trace the source of the oil leak. No other issues were identified.