Accident Overview
The accident occurred shortly after lift-off from an airport in visual meteorological conditions. The pilot experienced a failure of the right engine. The aircraft yawed to the right and then rolled steeply to the right, contacting power lines with the right wing before impacting the ground. A post-crash fire ensued, destroying the aircraft with the exception of both engines and a portion of the right wing panel. Both occupants were killed.
Engine Failure Details
The engine failure was caused by a lack of lubrication to the impeller shaft, resulting from a blockage of the oil jet by foreign object debris (FOD). The source of the FOD was undetermined. The oil line from the scavenge sump to the scavenge pump inlet had been replaced prior to the accident.
Maintenance Issues
Approximately two weeks before the accident, the aircraft had experienced a maintenance problem involving an oil leak.
Probable Cause
The official findings identified two contributing factors: loss of engine power due to mechanical failure from oil starvation caused by FOD blockage of the oil jet, and failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during the takeoff initial climb.