Accident Overview
An aircraft that had been returned to service after five years in storage was being used to transport two political candidates on their campaign itinerary. During takeoff from runway 03, the right engine lost power during the initial climb. The aircraft descended and crashed approximately two miles southeast of the airport.
Pilot Actions
Evidence showed that the pilot did not complete the emergency procedures for an engine failure. Specifically, he did not feather the propeller of the affected engine, did not bank the aircraft into the good engine, and did not close the cowl flaps on the inoperative engine.
Engine Examination
An examination of the right engine disclosed overheating and erosion of the number one and number four pistons, which resulted in holes in the top edges of the pistons. Additionally, there were clogged fuel injectors, contamination and corrosion of the fuel injector pump, and contamination and partial obstruction of the manifold valve. The absolute pressure control of the turbocharger was found to be incorrectly adjusted.
Pilot Certification
The pilot's medical certificate was dated August 13, 1986.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was the failure of the pilot to perform emergency procedures for loss of engine power, including his failure to feather the propeller of the affected engine. Factors related to the accident were inadequate maintenance, contamination in the fuel system, and overheat failure of the number one and number four pistons in the right engine from preignition or detonation.