What happened
During a local flight intended to test recently installed avionics, the aircraft began its takeoff roll according to established performance specifications. Shortly after leaving the ground, the pilot notified air traffic control that the left engine had lost power. At the time of the engine failure, the landing gear remained in the extended position.
An eyewitness observed the aircraft lose power from the left engine before it reached taxiway B4, noting a significant leftward yaw. The aircraft continued its takeoff roll toward the departure end of the runway, which was approximately 2,600 to 2,700 feet away from the taxiway. Shortly after passing the runway threshold, the aircraft began a leftward turn.
As the pilot attempted to climb, air traffic control issued instructions to execute a right turn. However, the pilot indicated an intention to turn left. This maneuver directed the aircraft into the direction of the failed engine, increasing the risk of a loss of control. As the aircraft's ground speed decreased to the minimum control speed (Vmc), the plane rolled to the left and struck the terrain in an inverted position. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. The accident resulted in two fatalities and one injury.
Findings
- The pilot executed a left turn following the engine failure, which was the improper direction given the increased rolling tendency toward the inoperative engine.
- The aircraft's speed decayed to the minimum control speed (Vmc), leading to an unrecoverable roll and subsequent impact.