Accident Details
Shortly after takeoff, the left engine lost power. The pilot retracted the landing gear and flaps and feathered the left propeller. Under these conditions, the airplane was able to climb slightly but soon began a descent while passing over green fields. The airplane touched down in a cotton field. Upon ground contact, the left tip tank burst into flames, and the airplane was subsequently consumed by fire.
Engine Examination
A teardown inspection of the left engine revealed that the number three exhaust valve had failed. No other pre-impact anomalies were noted.
Environmental Conditions
The accident site elevation was 1,600 feet above mean sea level. The outside air temperature was 114° Fahrenheit. The calculated density altitude at the time of the accident was approximately 5,600 feet.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was the failure of the number three exhaust valve on the left engine. A major factor was the high density altitude, which prevented the airplane from maintaining altitude on a single engine.