What happened
A flight consisting of the pilot, co-pilot, and eight passengers departed on a cross-country mission in a B-300 twin-engine airplane. Shortly after takeoff, witnesses observed the aircraft performing with insufficient power and noted a steep rotation. Approximately 17 seconds after departing the runway, the aircraft rolled to the left and reached a maximum altitude of only 100 feet before descending in an inverted attitude. The airplane struck an airport hangar, breaching a closed garage door, and subsequently caught fire. There were 10 fatalities in the accident.
Data from the cockpit voice recorder indicated that while both propellers initially operated at takeoff power, the propeller speed on the left engine decreased significantly about seven seconds after liftoff. This divergence resulted in a near-total loss of thrust from the left engine while the right engine remained operational. Following this thrust reduction, the aircraft experienced a severe sideslip angle and a rapid roll rate that eventually caused the plane to become inverted.
Findings
Investigation of the wreckage and flight data revealed that the pilot failed to follow the manufacturer's established engine-out procedures. Specifically, the landing gear remained extended, and the left propeller was not feathered. The pilot's response to the loss of thrust was improper; rather than applying the necessary right rudder to counteract the yawing moment, the pilot initially applied left rudder. This incorrect input, potentially prompted by a stall warning, prevented the crew from maintaining lateral control.
While the exact cause of the thrust reduction could not be definitively determined due to fire damage, investigators considered that an inadequate friction setting on the power lever friction locks may have allowed for uncommanded throttle movement. The investigation also noted that the pilot's failure to use checklists may have led to a failure to verify these settings. Additionally, the crew did not engage in any discussion of emergency procedures following the engine issue, and the co-pilot did not initiate corrective flight control inputs.