Background
Prior to departure, the commercial pilot experienced a hot start while attempting to start the 750-horsepower turbo-prop engine. A mechanic reviewed the handwritten checklist used by the pilot and informed him that the procedures were out of sequence, which the mechanic considered the most likely cause of the hot start.
Departure
After the hot start, the pilot motored the engine and allowed the starter to cool for approximately two minutes before attempting to start the engine again. The engine started, sounded "normal," and ran "stable" for about 30 to 45 seconds. The pilot then shut down the engine, and no smoke or engine surging was observed. The pilot dismounted the airplane and walked inside the terminal building with a female passenger. The mechanic then informed the pilot that he should let the starter cool down for at least 30 minutes to one hour. About an hour later, the pilot started the engine and departed.
Accident
About a minute after takeoff, the pilot announced that he had an "engine out" and attempted to perform a forced landing on a road south of the airport. Witnesses reported that the airplane was "wobbling in the air from side to side and having trouble flying straight." It then made a sudden "right down wind turn" and descended "suddenly as if it had to land." The airplane landed on the southbound lanes of the road and collided with the pavement, a center concrete guardrail, and a metal guardrail before catching fire.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed that a major portion of its structure was consumed by fire, and the position of the fuel selector valve could not be determined. Examination of the experimental engine showed extensive thermal damage; however, no mechanical deficiencies were noted that could have prevented normal flight operations.