Incident Summary
Following takeoff from Memphi Airport, the aircraft experienced a right engine malfunction while climbing. The pilot decided to return to the airport but could not feather the propeller. As a result, he attempted an emergency landing in an open field a few miles from the airport. The aircraft touched down on its belly and slid for several yards before coming to rest.
Injuries and Damage
All six occupants sustained injuries, with three reported as serious. The aircraft was written off due to the damage sustained during the landing.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was determined to be an engine malfunction after a failure of the propeller governor control system. Contributing factors included material failure—specifically, the propeller control part number 5000009-10 broken at the swaged-on fitting—and the pilot's inability to return to the airport due to the windmilling propeller after securing the engine.