What happened
During a nighttime departure, a twin engine airplane experienced a significant reduction in power from one of its engines while climbing. This mechanical failure caused the aircraft to lose altitude rapidly. The plane subsequently struck a railroad track situated in the vicinity of the airport, resulting in a high-impact collision and a subsequent intense fire. The wreckage was completely destroyed by the force of the impact and the post-crash flames. There were two fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several contributing factors related to mechanical failure and operational errors. A primary cause was a malfunction in the exhaust system, specifically involving the external supercharger. Investigators discovered broken ball bearings from an impeller shaft within the inertia coupling, indicating a material failure. Furthermore, the investigation concluded that the pilot-in-command failed to maintain sufficient flying speed during the emergency. The crew also did not adhere to established approved procedures and utilized improper emergency protocols following the loss of power on one engine.