What happened
During the initial climb phase immediately following takeoff from Opa Locka Airport, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. In response to the mechanical failure, the pilot attempted an emergency landing at the airfield. During this maneuver, the aircraft bounced upon contact with the ground, and the crew was unable to stabilize the plane. The subsequent impact caused the aircraft to crash, leading to a post-crash fire that destroyed the airframe. Despite the intensity of the flames, all seven occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage without sustaining any injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several contributing factors related to mechanical and operational issues. The primary cause was linked to engine power loss stemming from a failure in the hydraulic pitch control mechanism. Specific technical findings included:
- An uncontrollable overspeed of the engine RPM
- A propeller that failed to respond to pilot inputs
- An overload failure within the system
- A fire that originated in the right brake
Furthermore, the investigation noted that the aircraft was operated despite known equipment deficiencies. The pilot was reportedly aware of mechanical discrepancies prior to the takeoff, and the inability to maintain a proper level-off during the emergency descent contributed to the unsuccessful recovery from the bounced landing.