Engine Power Loss Leads to Loss of Control and Crash During Emergency Landing (N9846Z)

Accident Sequence

Approximately 18 minutes after takeoff, the pilot radioed that the number 2 engine had lost power and that he was returning to land at McAllen. While approaching to land, the aircraft crashed in an open field about 400 yards short of the runway and 115 feet right of the approach lights. During impact, the aircraft was in an inverted attitude, with approximately 150 degrees of right roll and 15 degrees nose down. After impact, an intense fire erupted.

Wreckage Examination

An examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact malfunction or failure except that the right propeller blades were set at 65 degrees. The angle of the blades should have been 86 degrees when in the full feathered position. The aircraft was estimated to be 753 pounds over its maximum gross weight limit at the time of the accident. With the gear down and flaps up, the minimum control speed (Vmc) was calculated to be 92 mph with the propeller windmilling and 87 mph with the propeller feathered.

Official Findings

The official probable cause identified three occurrences:

• Occurrence #1: Loss of Engine Power – Phase of operation: climb to cruise. Finding: Reason for occurrence undetermined.
• Occurrence #2: Loss of Control – In Flight – Phase of operation: approach – VFR pattern – final approach. Findings: Aircraft weight and balance exceeded by pilot in command; propeller system/accessories, feathering system undetermined; airspeed (Vmc) not maintained by pilot in command; aircraft handling not possible by pilot in command.
• Occurrence #3: In Flight Collision with Terrain/Water – Phase of operation: descent – uncontrolled.