What happened
During a nighttime repositioning flight intended to deliver an aircraft to an operator based at Calcutta Airport, the pilot encountered significant mechanical issues. While maintaining cruise altitude, the right engine developed technical difficulties, necessitating that the pilot shut down the engine and feather the propeller.
Shortly after these engine adjustments were made, the aircraft entered a period of uncontrolled descent. During this high-speed descent, the airframe suffered a structural failure and broke apart in mid-air before impacting a field. The pilot, who was the only person on board the aircraft, was killed in the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified several potential contributing factors regarding the loss of structural integrity. The following elements were noted during the inquiry:
- A possible fire or explosion occurring while in flight
- Structural failure of the airframe during the descent
- The right engine being feathered but not properly secured
- High-speed breakup of the aircraft