What happened
On May 4, a twin-engine aircraft was involved in a fatal accident while attempting to return to its departure airport. Shortly after takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 4,000 feet MSL, the pilot notified air traffic control of an engine issue and indicated an intention to return to the airfield. Radar data tracked the aircraft in a steady descent from its initial altitude toward the crash site, located roughly two miles from the airport.
Eyewitnesses on the ground observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude, approximately 500 feet AGL, moments before the impact. These observers noted the plane appeared to be wobbling before entering a steep, left-side knife-edge bank and diving into the ground. Prior to the flight, the pilot had requested assistance with radio operations, noting a significant period of inactivity since his last flight.
Findings
Investigation of the wreckage revealed a post-impact fire localized to the right wing, while the left wing showed no signs of fire. Analysis of the engine and propeller components indicated that the left engine was windmilling at a low power setting, whereas the right engine was operating at a high power setting. The left propeller was found not to be feathered. Because the left engine is the critical engine, its loss of power significantly complicates directional control, particularly at lower speeds.
Evidence suggests that the failure to reset landing light circuit breakers may have prevented the fuel transfer pumps from moving fuel from the forward tank to the center baffle. It is a standard maintenance practice to pull these breakers to prevent pump operation during inspections, and they may not have been re-engaged for this flight. The aircraft's manual notes that maintaining altitude or climbing is improbable with the landing gear extended and the propeller windmilling. The landing gear was confirmed to be in the down position at the time of impact. No recent fueling records were found for the flight in question, with the last recorded fueling occurring on October 31, 2002.