History of Flight
On December 29, 2014, about 1500 eastern standard time, a twin-engine Piper PA-23-160 airplane, registration N222CP, impacted terrain near Port Clinton, Ohio. The airplane was destroyed, and the commercial-rated pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated by Eagle Support Services, LLC, Worthington, Ohio, under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The cross-country flight originated from Erie-Ottawa International Airport (KPCW), Port Clinton, Ohio.
The airplane had recently undergone maintenance and an annual inspection. The mechanic conducted a test flight with no problems noted, after which the owner intended to fly the airplane to his home airfield.
Several witnesses observed the airplane before and during takeoff. One witness saw the pilot start both engines and spend 20 minutes in the run-up area before departing. Two witnesses near the airport terminal reported hearing a "popping" sound shortly after takeoff; one speculated it might be from the left engine based on the airplane's flight path. The airplane turned left, rolled left, and descended. Two other witnesses near the airport diner reported a normal takeoff, then a left turn and steep descent. Some witnesses noted the airplane struggled to gain altitude and the engine sounded like it was "stalling."
A surveillance video from a department store captured the flight. It showed the airplane departing, making a left turn, then a "wing flash" before a rapid nose-down descent and impact.
Personnel Information
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single- and multi-engine land and instrument. On his December 9, 2014, medical certificate application, he reported 675 total flight hours, with 10 hours in the previous six months. The third-class medical certificate issuance was deferred by the Aviation Medical Examiner due to the pilot's blindness in his right eye from a personal injury. The deferral process was incomplete at the time of the accident. His previous third-class medical certificate was issued May 9, 2012. His flight log showed about 165 hours in multi-engine airplanes.
Aircraft Information
The Piper PA-23-160 (Apache) is a low-wing, retractable landing gear, twin-engine airplane originally powered by Lycoming O-320 engines with full-feathering constant-speed propellers. The hydraulic pump for the landing gear is on the left engine. The accident airplane had been modified with two Lycoming O-360-A1D engines. Maintenance records showed the annual inspection was completed December 24, 2014, with a total time of 6,131.4 hours. The left engine had 562.0 hours since overhaul, and the right engine had 559.1 hours since overhaul.
Meteorological Information
At 1512, the automated weather observation at KPCW recorded wind from 020 degrees at 5 knots, 10 miles visibility, overcast ceiling at 3,400 feet, temperature 29°F, dew point 19°F, and barometric pressure 30.30 inches of mercury. A carburetor icing probability chart indicated the airplane was operating in conditions associated with a risk of carburetor ice at glide and cruise power settings.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The wreckage was located about 0.25 mile west of runway 18/36, near a residential area. On-site examination indicated a left-wing-low, near-vertical impact. The airplane came to rest nose-down, with several pieces separated but nearby. Both wings sustained heavy damage; the main cabin was severely crushed. The empennage was twisted but attached, with undamaged control surfaces. Both engines were partly buried; propellers were buried or under wreckage, with only tips exposed. A fuel smell was present, and water pooled from firefighting efforts.
The cockpit area was extensively damaged. The left throttle was slightly retarded compared to the right; the left mixture was full forward, the right mixture full aft. Both propeller controls were full forward. Carburetor heat control positions could not be determined. The right tachometer showed a contact mark at 2,600 rpm; the left tachometer did not. Rudder and elevator continuity was established. The left aileron remained attached; the right aileron had separated. Main landing gear was down.
Engine examinations revealed: The left engine crankshaft broke aft of the propeller flange. A small amount of water was found in the carburetor bowl, possibly from firefighting. The magnetos produced spark. Cylinders showed no discrepancies. One propeller blade was undamaged, the other bent aft; propellers were not feathered. The right engine initially would not rotate due to ice accumulation from water submersion; after thawing, continuity and compression were normal. Its propellers were not feathered. No pre-impact abnormalities were found.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy by the Lucas County Coroner's Office determined the cause of death as multiple blunt trauma. Toxicological testing by the FAA laboratory was negative for carbon monoxide and ethanol; cyanide was not tested. Ibuprofen and paroxetine were detected. Paroxetine is a prescription antidepressant used for depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and is disqualifying for aeromedical certification.