Incident Overview
Several days before the accident flight, maintenance had been performed on the engine turbochargers and exhaust systems. After departure, the pilot reported that the left engine lost power and elected to return to the airport.
Witness Observation
A witness reported seeing the airplane heading toward the airport with an orange glow under the left wing, approximately four feet outboard of the fuselage. The witness stated there was a loud pop, after which the left wing separated from the airplane, and the plane fell to the ground.
Post-Accident Inspection
Inspection revealed extensive fire damage in the area of the left wheel well and spar, behind the firewall, immediately aft of the turbocharger exhaust. Fuel lines in the wheel well area had burned away. The left engine turbocharger tail pipe and Marmon connector clamp were missing.
Aircraft Configuration
The engines had been equipped with AiResearch turbochargers in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate SA909WE.