What happened
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) to report that the left engine was not developing full power. The pilot further indicated that the aircraft was experiencing difficulty maintaining its altitude. While attempting to return to the departure airport, the Piper PA-34 collided with trees and a chimney before crashing in a residential area.
The investigation
Investigators examined both the left and right engines, but the inspection did not reveal any mechanical condition that would have caused an operational problem. Additionally, neither propeller was found in the feather position at the time of the accident.
Documentation review showed that two work orders had been signed off on the day of the accident; one record indicated the airplane was in an airworthy condition, while a second record, associated with a later invoice number, indicated the aircraft was not airworthy.
A review of the pilot's log sheets revealed that the pilot had previously operated the Piper PA-34 between January 13, 1986, and October 6, 1991. Since that period, the pilot had flown the aircraft only once, which occurred one day prior to the accident. During that previous flight, the pilot flew for one hour but did not practice any emergency procedures.