Incident Overview
During a daylight flight, the airplane experienced a loss of power in its right engine. The engine failure was traced to a failed piston assembly, which occurred because the engine overheated. The overheating resulted from two maintenance issues: the engine air cooling baffle was not installed, and an improper oil filter was used.
Landing Difficulties
The airplane was unable to sustain flight due to additional mechanical problems. The main landing gear was locked in the down position, preventing retraction. Furthermore, the propeller could not be feathered because of corrosion, which rendered it frozen. These factors combined to complicate the landing.
Injuries and Safety Equipment
During the landing, the pilot and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The absence of seat belts was identified as the cause of these injuries.
Known Deficiencies
The airplane was operated with 137 known deficiencies, indicating a widespread lack of maintenance and oversight.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined the probable cause to be the operation of the airplane with known deficiencies, a missing air cooling baffle, and inadequate maintenance. Factors contributing to the accident included the frozen propeller, the pilot's inability to feather the propeller, the inoperative landing gear, the inability to retract the landing gear, and the lack of seat belts.