What happened
During the initial climb phase following departure from Dallas-Love Field Airport, an aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control. The flight was unable to maintain altitude, leading to an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft subsequently impacted an open field, where it caught fire and was completely destroyed.
There were three fatalities among the occupants of the plane. No survivors were reported from the crash site.
Findings
Investigations into the accident revealed that a mechanical failure occurred during the ascent. Specifically, a propeller blade on the right-hand engine separated from the shank radius. This separation was attributed to a fatigue fracture within the Hartzell propeller component. Additionally, investigators noted that the crankshaft counterweight liners showed signs of excessive wear, contributing to the structural failure of the propeller assembly.