Accident Details
A cargo airplane was conducting an early morning repositioning flight. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported to air traffic control that he had "lost an engine" and would return to the airport. Several witnesses reported that the engines were running rough, and one witness stated that he did not hear any engine sounds just before impact. The airplane then struck trees, a wooden enclosure, a chain-linked fence, and shrubs in a residential area, sustaining damage from both the impact and a postimpact fire.
Preflight Conditions
The airplane had been parked outside for five days before the accident flight. The night before the flight, it was plugged into engine heaters. At the time of the accident, it was dark and snowing lightly. The operator reported that no deicing services were provided before the flight, and the pilot mechanically removed all snow and ice accumulation.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage and witness statements were consistent with the airplane being in a right-wing-low descent, but it did not appear to be out of control. Examination of the propellers revealed that neither was at or near the feathered position. The right fuel selector valve and panel were found in the off position. The on-scene examination and teardown of both engines found no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures.
Emergency Procedures
The manufacturer's emergency procedures for a loss of engine power state that pilots should first secure the engine and feather the propeller, then turn the fuel selector for that engine to "off." The procedures also caution that continued flight might not be possible if the propeller is not feathered. Investigators could not determine why an experienced pilot did not follow these procedures.
Snow and Ice Accumulation
It is not known how much snow and ice had accumulated on the airplane leading up to the accident flight or whether the pilot was successful in removing all of it with only mechanical means. Investigators could not determine if water or ice ingestion led to the loss of engine power at takeoff, though it was considered possible.