Accident Overview
Following takeoff, the pilot radioed air traffic control that an engine had lost power. The pilot then initiated a steep left turn back toward the airport, followed by a right turn aimed at the runway. During the right turn, the aircraft's nose dropped, and the airplane impacted the ground nose-first on a taxiway.
Postcrash Examination
A postcrash inspection of the aircraft's structure and flight control systems revealed no evidence of any failure or malfunction prior to impact. The left propeller was found in the feathered position, while the right propeller was at a high blade angle. Damage to the right propeller was consistent with the engine operating at the time of impact.
Engine and Propeller Analysis
Teardown examinations of both engines and propellers did not uncover any findings that would have caused an engine or propeller malfunction or failure.
Pilot Background
The pilot had purchased the aircraft in March 1996. At that time, he had not flown for approximately 10 years. After acquiring the airplane, he logged 2.5 hours of transition/checkout training and had accumulated a total of about 22 flight hours, most of which were on sightseeing flights.