Incident Overview
The flight departed under visual meteorological conditions. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot noted that the right engine was running rough, followed by a complete loss of power from that engine. The pilot decided to return to the departure airport for an emergency landing. He stated that he immediately shut down the right engine and feathered the propeller. While maneuvering for the landing, the airplane collided with trees and subsequently struck the ground.
Maintenance Background
Service Bulletin CSB 94-4, issued on June 13, 1994, pertains to inspections of the starter adapter shaft gear and crank gear. The bulletin required inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the starter adapter and crankshaft gear teeth. Following the incident, an examination of the right engine revealed that the holes of the starter adapter exhibited marks characteristic of misalignment during installation of the adapter.
Findings
The investigation did not establish a probable cause for the engine power loss or the accident. The specific aircraft type, registration, operator, date, location, and occupant details were not provided in the source material. No injuries or fatalities are reported. Weather conditions were visual; no other contributing factors were identified.
Conclusion
While the service bulletin addresses potential starter adapter misalignment, the source does not explicitly link the observed misalignment marks to the engine failure. The accident sequence involved a right engine failure after takeoff, an attempted return, and a collision with trees and terrain during the emergency landing.