Incident Overview
After landing, the pilots performed four rapid right turns while taxiing back for another takeoff. During the subsequent takeoff roll, the airplane consistently veered to the left. Concerned about the remaining runway length, the pilots rotated at approximately 85 knots. Immediately after lift-off, the left engine lost power. The airplane then rolled inverted and crashed.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the left main fuel cell revealed that the anti-slosh baffle inspection zipper was open. This condition would allow unporting of the left main fuel supply pickup line, meaning the fuel pickup line could become uncovered due to fuel movement, leading to fuel starvation. The zipper is required to be opened during each annual inspection for internal inspection and then closed. The zipper appeared to be corroded.
Safety Information
The inspection zipper on the anti-slosh baffle must be properly closed after each annual inspection to prevent fuel unporting and potential engine power loss.