Accident Overview
A twin-engine airplane experienced an engine failure shortly after departing from Palm Springs Airport. The pilot reported the failure during initial climb and was cleared by air traffic control to return for an emergency landing. While executing a turn to align with the runway, the aircraft lost altitude, collided with trees, and came to rest in a wooded area. The impact caused the airplane to burst into flames. Both occupants on board were slightly injured.
Sequence of Events
The flight began with a takeoff from Palm Springs Airport. During the initial climb phase, the pilot notified controllers that one of the engines had failed. Controllers cleared the airplane to return to the airport for an emergency landing. As the pilot maneuvered the aircraft to return, it began to lose altitude. The airplane struck trees and subsequently crashed into a wooded area. Upon impact, the aircraft caught fire, resulting in visible flames. Emergency services responded to the scene.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident occurred due to a powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors reported included high obstructions in the area, the forced landing off airport on land, the pilot's statement that the right engine failed and the propeller would not feather, and that no mechanical failures were revealed during post-crash engine inspection.