Incident Overview
A Cessna 421, operated under Part 135, experienced a loss of power in the right engine 10 to 15 seconds into the initial climb following takeoff. The pilot flying was a company pilot occupying the left seat, while a check airman (the pilot in command) was in the right seat. A third company pilot was seated in the back.
Emergency Sequence
Upon detection of the power loss, the third pilot reported seeing fire emanating from the right engine nacelle. According to the pilot in command, the second pilot "apprehensively attempted the emergency procedures and gave the airplane to me as the airspeed rapidly declined." The pilot in command observed power lines directly ahead and chose to fly under the wires toward a vacant field. The aircraft collided with the power lines and subsequently impacted the ground in the field.
Post-Accident Examination
An on-site examination of the aircraft revealed that the right engine turbocharger exhaust clamp had failed, allowing exhaust gases to flow through louvers in the right nacelle. No evidence of an actual fire was found. A metallurgical examination of the failed clamp determined that the failure resulted from fatigue.