What happened
Roughly 20 minutes following takeoff, the pilot communicated that the right engine had experienced a loss of power, making it impossible to sustain altitude. While air traffic control provided vectors for an emergency descent and landing, the aircraft type crashed into a forested area about three miles from the airfield. Investigation of the wreckage indicated that the landing gear and flaps had been deployed and the aircraft was in a turn at the moment of impact. Both propellers showed evidence of low to moderate power levels, and neither propeller had been feathered.
All eight fatalities occurred during the accident. Evidence suggested that six of the passengers were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Additionally, reports indicated the pilot may have experienced significant fatigue, having received only four to six hours of rest over a period of three to four days prior to the flight.
Findings
Technical examinations of the right engine revealed unsymmetrical wear on the blades of the right turbocharger. Specifically, the thrust spacer (pn 406990-9004) showed signs of wear alongside evidence of oil leakage. The right engine's oil system, which had a capacity of 13 quarts, contained only 6.85 quarts at the time of the investigation. Both turbochargers had been installed during an annual inspection in April 1983.
Operational factors contributed significantly to the accident. The aircraft was determined to be 844 lbs over its maximum weight limit, and the center of gravity exceeded the allowable limit by approximately 4.8 inches. Further findings pointed toward improper maintenance, inadequate passenger briefing, and errors in emergency procedures, including the premature extension of flaps and landing gear.