Accident Overview
Shortly after takeoff from Cleveland-Hardwick Airport, the right engine lost power during the initial climb. The pilot was cleared for an emergency return and began an immediate turn. Before feathering the right propeller, the aircraft lost airspeed, stalled, and crashed. The accident resulted in the deaths of all five occupants.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft departed from Cleveland-Hardwick Airport. During the initial climb, the right engine suffered a loss of power. Air traffic control cleared the pilot to return to the airport for an emergency landing. The pilot initiated an immediate turn and attempted to feather the right propeller. However, due to insufficient airspeed, the airplane lost height, stalled, and crashed.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause was a loss of power on the right engine during initial climb due to material failure. The following factors were reported: powerplant failure due to master and connecting rods failure; the pilot failed to follow approved procedures; the pilot failed to maintain flying speed; improper emergency procedures; failure of the right engine's number 5 cylinder connecting rod bolt; the pilot attempted to return to the airport before feathering the right propeller; and the aircraft was near gross weight.