What happened
During a daytime departure under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) from an established airport, the airplane experienced a sudden loss of power in the left engine. The cause was identified as a turbocharger failure. Following this mechanical event, the aircraft rolled into an inverted position and descended uncontrollably to ground impact.
The investigation
Examination of the incident revealed that the pilot held certification for single-engine land only and had no known training in multi-engine airplanes. This lack of specific type rating and training was a significant factor in the outcome, as the pilot was not qualified to handle the asymmetric thrust and emergency procedures required for such an aircraft.
Findings
The primary finding was that the turbocharger failure led directly to the loss of power in the left engine. The pilot's lack of multi-engine training meant they were unable to effectively manage the situation, leading to the fatal injuries sustained by the pilot/owner. The aircraft type involved was a twin-engine plane, which requires specific qualifications not held by this individual.
Safety message
Pilots operating or intending to operate multi-engine aircraft must hold appropriate certifications and training. Relying on single-engine land ratings for twin-engine operations is extremely dangerous and can lead to catastrophic outcomes when engine failures occur.