What happened
Shortly after takeoff from runway 27, the pilot reported a loss of power in one of the engines and initiated a return to the airport. Radar records indicated that the Piper PA23-160 initially climbed to 3,000 feet while maintaining a southwesterly heading before turning left back toward the airfield.
The aircraft entered the downwind leg for runway 27 at an altitude between 400 and 500 feet, traveling at a groundspeed of 95 to 105 knots. Approximately 1/4 mile south of the runway, the pilot turned onto the base leg at an altitude of about 300 feet with a groundspeed of 75 to 80 knots. Witnesses observed the aircraft flying the downwind leg at 400 feet.
As the flight transitioned from the base leg to the final approach, the aircraft overshot the final leg. While at an altitude of 100 to 150 feet, the aircraft continued turning toward the runway. During this maneuver, the bank angle increased to 50–60 degrees and the nose dropped. The last radar contact recorded the aircraft at an altitude of 82 feet with a groundspeed of 66 knots. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees and powerlines, coming to rest in a residential yard. There were no fatalities reported.
The investigation
The examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction. Analysis of the stall speeds for the aircraft type indicated that while the stall speed with flaps down and engine power off is 53 knots, this speed increases significantly during steep turns. At a bank angle of 50 degrees, the stall speed increases by approximately 25 percent, and at 60 degrees, it increases by 40 percent. This would result in a stall speed between 66 and 74 knots during the reported 50–60 degree bank angle.