What happened
During the initial climb phase, following the retraction of the landing gear, the left engine of the aircraft lost power. The flight instructor took control of the aircraft and feathered the left propeller. Despite these actions, the pilot was unable to maintain a single-engine rate of climb.
A passenger in the rear of the aircraft reported hearing the stall horn sounding as the instructor attempted to establish the climb. In an effort to navigate through a low point in the hilly terrain, the aircraft collided with a power line and subsequently crashed into a ravine. The aircraft sustained fatal impact during the collision.
The investigation
Investigators found that the landing gear was in the extended and locked position following the crash; a ground witness also observed the gear in the extended position during the flight.
Upon examining the left engine, investigators discovered that the fuel flow divider was partially obstructed by a grey/white material. Laboratory analysis identified this contaminant as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is a thermoplastic material. The source of this contamination could not be determined.
Technical data indicated that, according to the aircraft's single-engine performance charts, the airplane should have been capable of maintaining a climb rate of approximately 150 feet per minute.