Incident Overview
A training flight conducting local maneuvers from State College-University Park experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff. The pilot lost control of the airplane, which stalled and subsequently crashed, bursting into flames. The sole occupant, the pilot, was killed in the accident.
Sequence of Events
According to the investigation, the flight had just departed from State College-University Park when one of the engines failed. The pilot was unable to maintain control, and the airplane entered a stall during the initial climb phase. The aircraft then impacted the ground and caught fire.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a stall during initial climb due to a powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed.