What happened
While performing a takeoff from runway 04R, an aircraft experienced a critical failure of its right engine. At approximately 50 feet above ground level and having traveled 4,000 feet down the runway, the pilot reported hearing a popping sound from the right engine immediately before it lost power. Following the feathering of the right propeller, the power output from the left engine also began to decline.
The aircraft entered a right bank during the climb. Despite the loss of propulsion, the pilot managed to maintain control of the aircraft until it impacted the water surface. At the time of the initial engine failure, there was approximately 5,000 feet of runway remaining for a potential aborted takeoff.
Findings
An inspection of the right engine identified that the American Bosch SB9RU-3 magneto (serial number B88470) had been incorrectly timed. Upon disassembly, investigators discovered that almost all of the distributor gear teeth had been stripped away, except for 11. This mechanical malfunction led to a total loss of power in the right engine.
Additionally, the investigation noted several human factors regarding the crew's response. The findings indicated that the pilot in command failed to perform an aborted takeoff and did not follow proper emergency procedures or in-flight decision-making protocols during the event.