Accident Details
A Piper PA-34-200T twin-engine aircraft collided with trees in hilly terrain located approximately eight miles southwest of the departure airport. The accident occurred following takeoff in foggy conditions. The pilot, a private pilot certificate holder who was not rated for multi-engine or instrument operations, reported experiencing a loss of power in the left engine. According to the investigation, the pilot did not follow the emergency procedures required for loss of engine power.
Engine Examination
An examination of the accident aircraft's engines revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions. The investigation found that the engine in question had no pre-existing issues that would have caused the reported power loss.
Pilot Information
The pilot's medical certificate had expired. The most recent third-class medical certificate was issued on May 4, 1983, and had since lapsed. Additionally, the pilot did not hold an airplane multi-engine class rating or an instrument airplane rating, and could not provide proof of a current biennial flight review. A review of the pilot's airmen records, maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, disclosed three prior suspensions of the pilot's private pilot certificate for violations of federal aviation regulations.