Accident Details
Shortly after takeoff during a night climb, one of the engines on a twin-engine airplane lost power. The aircraft subsequently lost altitude and crashed in flames on a railroad track located near the airport. The impact forces and a post-crash fire destroyed the airplane. Both occupants were killed.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official probable cause of the accident was loss of control after takeoff due to a loss of power on one engine. The investigation reported several factors: failure of the exhaust system (external supercharger), material failure, the pilot-in-command failed to maintain flying speed, the crew failed to follow approved procedures, improper emergency procedures, partial loss of power on one engine, and broken pieces of ball bearings from the impeller shaft found in the inertia coupling.