Accident Details
On the afternoon of the accident, N5247A crashed approximately 0.5 nautical miles southeast of Merritt Island Airport in Cocoa, Florida, shortly after takeoff. The airline transport-rated pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported observing the pilot enter the accident airplane. During the start of the No. 2 engine, they described it as "missing, sputtering, and back firing." These abnormal sounds continued during the takeoff roll and initial climb. As the airplane climbed to an altitude of about 50 to 75 feet, witnesses noted that the No. 2 engine's propeller had ceased rotating. They also observed the airplane banking toward the No. 2 engine side. Throughout the initial climb, the pitch attitude remained nose high, and witnesses stated that the pitch was not reduced, even after the right side propeller had stopped rotating.
Descent and Impact
Witnesses watched the nose-high turn continue to the right. They saw the aircraft descend and disappear behind trees, followed by the sound of an engine racing momentarily, and then the sound of impact with the ground.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the engines, airframe, and flight controls did not reveal any preaccident anomalies.
Registration
The aircraft registration was N5247A.