Accident Summary
The aircraft departed in clear weather with below-freezing temperatures and heavy frost on its surfaces. The pilot did not perform a preflight inspection, engine run-up, or warm-up before takeoff. During the initial climb, the left engine experienced a partial loss of power for an undetermined reason, likely associated with cold engine operation.
Sequence of Events
After the power loss, the pilot initiated a turn toward the dead engine in an apparent course reversal. The pilot did not feather the propeller and lowered the landing gear during the turn. The aircraft stalled, rolled inverted, and subsequently crashed into a residential area. All three occupants were killed.
Investigation Findings
An engine teardown revealed no mechanical defects. Post-mortem and toxicological tests showed no physiological impairment. The investigation identified several contributing factors: the pilot's failure to perform a preflight inspection and remove ice/frost, improper landing gear extension, failure to feather the propeller, and failure to maintain aircraft control. The cold weather conditions and deteriorated engine-out capability were also noted.