What happened
During the departure phase of a repositioning flight, the pilot reported a loss of power in the left engine. As the aircraft climbed to approximately 120 feet above the ground, observers noted the plane performing a left turn while the landing gear remained in the extended position. The aircraft continued this leftward descent until it struck a building located on the airfield. The collision triggered a significant post-impact fire that destroyed much of the aircraft.
Findings
Investigations into the engines and propellers showed no mechanical anomalies that would have prevented standard operation. While the left engine was likely producing low to moderate power at the moment of impact, the investigation could not definitively rule out a sudden loss of power as reported by the pilot. Analysis of the propeller blade angles and sound spectrums indicated that the right engine was producing moderate to high power during the final moments of flight. Neither propeller had been feathered prior to the crash.
Data from a rudder and sideslip study revealed that the aircraft was in a nose-left sideslip of 29 degrees during its final second of flight, suggesting the pilot had applied significant left rudder input. The investigation concluded that the pilot failed to maintain lateral control of the aircraft following the engine issue. Furthermore, the crew did not execute standard emergency procedures for an engine failure during takeoff, specifically failing to retract the landing gear or feather the propellers. While the pilot's medical history was reviewed, no evidence was found to suggest that any medications or underlying health conditions contributed to the loss of control.