On April 8, 1998, a Beechcraft E18 (registration N2083C) operated by Phillips Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Del Rio, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power on the right engine for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During takeoff, a pilot experienced a slow reduction in right engine power after retracting the landing gear. The airplane rolled right, and the pilot reduced left engine power. The right wing impacted the ground. The cause of the power loss was not determined.
Summary of Events
According to the investigation, the pilot lost control of the airplane following a loss of engine power from the right engine during takeoff. The pilot reported that the engine power loss was not sudden but rather a slow, continued reduction. He stated that the power loss occurred after he placed the landing gear selector in the retract position. At the time, the airspeed was between Vmc (86 mph) and Vy (120 mph). As the airplane began to roll toward the right, which had the dead engine, the pilot reduced power on the left engine. Subsequently, the outboard portion of the right wing impacted the ground short of a taxiway.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed that the right engine propeller was in the feather position. The left engine was torn from the airframe. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined during the investigation.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was determined as a loss of engine power on the right engine for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane.