Event Summary
While climbing through 8,500 feet, the airplane experienced a catastrophic engine failure. The pilot declared an emergency and conducted a forced landing to a field. During the landing roll, the right wing struck a tree and separated from the airframe. The airplane subsequently became fully engulfed in fire, which consumed the majority of the structure. All six occupants—the pilot and five passengers—exited the aircraft without injury. The passengers were employees of an industrial services company returning from a job site with hazardous materials used for blasting operations.
Aircraft and Engine Details
The airplane was equipped with a turbine engine. At the time of the accident, the engine had accumulated approximately 7,620 hours since new and 65 hours since its last overhaul, which had been performed about 19 months earlier.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the engine revealed impact damage to the interior of the exhaust duct. The duct also contained portions of a fractured power turbine blade. Further disassembly showed damage consistent with a distressed first-stage sun gear, along with associated damage to the compressor turbine and power turbine. The sun gear’s output splines exhibited extensive damage, preventing determination of the original cause of deterioration. Investigators noted that the sun gear had been previously removed from another engine about seven years prior due to "spalled gear teeth"; its condition at the time of installation on the accident engine could not be established. The fire consumed the majority of the airframe, leaving only fragments for examination.