Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the aircraft yawed to the right, then left, and then right again. The passenger in the copilot seat stated that the right engine rpm gauge indication needle was fluctuating. In response, the pilot positioned the right engine mixture control to idle cutoff and the propeller control to feather. However, the propeller continued to windmill. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot attempted to land on a highway. During the landing attempt, the aircraft collided with an unmarked power line and a light pole before impacting the ground. The aircraft was destroyed by a post-crash fire.
A witness stated that gear retraction was delayed after takeoff.
Post-Accident Examination
The right engine was recovered from the accident site. Due to impact damage, the propeller and fuel servo were replaced. The engine was placed on a test stand, started, and found to operate normally. The propeller governor and the damaged fuel servo were also tested and found to operate normally. The damaged propeller was inspected and found to be free of any preimpact failure or malfunction. No determination could be made as to the reason for the reported power fluctuation from the right engine.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was stated as a loss of power from the right engine due to undetermined reasons. The failure of the propeller to feather was identified as a factor in the accident.