Accident
Shortly after takeoff from Oklahoma City-Will Rogers Airport, while in initial climb, the left engine failed. The pilot feathered the left propeller and then initiated a left turn. Control was subsequently lost, and the airplane nosed down, crashing in a huge explosion. All seven occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
Official findings determined that the probable cause of the accident was the failure of the left engine during initial climb due to a master and connecting rods failure. Contributing factors reported include: under torqued components, fatigue fracture, inadequate maintenance and inspection by ground personnel, failure to obtain or maintain flying speed, improperly loaded aircraft, operation over maximum gross weight by approximately 550 lbs, failure of the left engine number 5 connecting rod cap, and the pilot turning to the dead engine.