What happened
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot was engaged in a flight to transport marijuana contained in duffle bags. During this initial phase of flight, the right propeller began to separate from its mounting flange.
In an attempt to manage the emergency, the pilot turned the aircraft back toward the airport. During the maneuver, the pilot feathered the incorrect propeller and began throwing the duffle bags out of the aircraft. The flight ended when the airplane collided with a tree, utility wires, and a privately owned residence. Two persons inside the residence sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the wreckage provided several mechanical findings. Investigators discovered that the safety wire for the propeller mounting studs was broken. Of the six propeller mounting studs present, three were broken, while the remaining studs had backed off.
Additionally, the right engine oil system showed evidence of extensive metal particles. The investigation also revealed that the propeller governor oil screen had been altered in a manner that allowed unfiltered oil to flow through the system.