What happened
Following takeoff from runway 9L at the departure airport, the pilot initiated an easterly departure and notified air traffic control of an intention to turn downwind. During the climb, which reached approximately 10-foot altitudes, the aircraft began a left bank and lost altitude. The aircraft subsequently struck a tree, a fence, and two vehicles before coming to a stop in a residential neighborhood. A fire broke out after the impact, destroying much of the left wing and the cabin area.
Findings
Investigation of the wreckage and the impact site showed that the left inboard wing struck a tree roughly 20 feet above the ground. While the No. 1 propeller showed signs of impact, the No. 2 propeller exhibited no chordwise scratching or bending, indicating the right engine was not producing power at the time of the crash. Although the pilot failed to follow established single-engine procedures—leaving the throttles at full power and the landing gear extended—the primary issue was the mechanical state of the No. 2 engine.
Post-accident analysis of the No. 2 engine revealed that four of the nine cylinders had compression levels below the required specifications. Furthermore, both magnetos were malfunctioning due to internal moisture and corrosion, likely caused by the aircraft being stored outdoors during a period of heavy rain. The right magneto's camshaft follower was excessively worn, and the main fuel pump was seized due to internal corrosion. While the pilot had previously operated the aircraft with engine shuddering, the engine's condition was such that it could not produce rated horsepower. Additionally, while a cylinder had been replaced on the No. 2 engine the previous night, the maintenance performed did not include necessary compression or magneto checks, and there was no official record of the cylinder installation in the aircraft logs.