What happened
During the initial climb phase following takeoff, the pilot experienced significant directional instability, noting that the aircraft yawed to the right, then left, and then right again. A passenger seated in the co-pilot position observed that the RPM gauge for the right engine was showing fluctuating indications. In an attempt to manage the situation, the pilot moved the right engine mixture control to the idle cutoff position and adjusted the propeller control to feather. However, the propeller continued to windmill.
As the aircraft was unable to sustain its altitude, the pilot attempted an emergency landing on a nearby highway. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck an unmarked power line and a light pole before impacting the ground. The impact was followed by a fire that destroyed the aircraft.
Findings
Post-accident investigations involved the recovery of the right engine. Although the propeller and fuel servo required replacement due to impact-related damage, subsequent testing on a test stand showed that the engine, propeller governor, and fuel servo were all operating normally. An inspection of the propeller revealed no evidence of malfunction or failure prior to the impact. While a witness reported a delay in the retraction of the landing gear after takeoff, investigators were unable to determine the specific cause of the reported power fluctuations in the right engine.