Accident Overview
On February 14, 2009, at about 1000 Pacific standard time, a Cessna T337/D, registration N86242, executed a forced landing approximately 0.5 miles north of Rialto Municipal Airport in Rialto, California. The aircraft was operated by the owner under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The private pilot received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that shortly after takeoff, the airplane's climb performance deteriorated, and it felt like the airplane had lost thrust. The airplane climbed to an altitude of 300 to 400 feet above ground level (agl) before making a right turn. The pilot stated that the airplane was not climbing sufficiently to clear the rising terrain ahead, leading to a forced landing into a dirt field. The pilot did not state that he executed the published engine-out emergency procedures.
Weather Conditions
The nearest aviation weather recording station was San Bernardino International Airport, which reported at 1053: calm winds, 10 miles visibility, scattered clouds at 3,000 feet, and a temperature of 48 degrees Fahrenheit.
Aircraft Examination
On February 25, 2009, the Safety Board investigator-in-charge (IIC) and a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane. The front engine propeller exhibited chordwise scratches and blade tip curling, consistent with power production. The rear engine propeller showed a single gouge on one blade and light chordwise scratches on the tip of the other blade. The top spark plugs were removed from the rear engine, and thumb compression was achieved on all cylinders. The rear engine was rotated by hand, and audible clicking of the magnetos was heard. Fuel was observed in the engine-driven fuel pump fuel input line. The spark plugs were replaced. The flap lever was set to 1/3 in the cockpit, and engine control continuity was established from the cockpit to both engines. The pilot reported that the weight of the airplane at the time of the accident was 3,836 pounds.
Engine Run
After clearing the area, the rear engine was started on the second attempt. The engine was run at 1,700 rpm for over 2 minutes, then increased to 2,000 rpm, and the propeller was cycled. Oil pressure remained stable at 45 psi, and both magnetos were checked with a corresponding 50 rpm drop on each.
Performance Data
The Cessna 337 owner's manual states that at an aircraft weight of 3,800 pounds, outside air temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and sea level, the single-engine climb performance (rear engine out) is 550 feet per minute rate of climb. The procedures for a continued takeoff with an engine out include retracting the flaps, retracting the landing gear, and feathering the propeller of the inoperative engine.