Accident Overview
An airline transport pilot (ATP) stated that the airplane was between 200 and 300 feet on initial takeoff climb when the right engine lost power, causing the airplane to yaw to the right. The pilot lowered the nose to gain airspeed and pulled the right power lever rearward, but nothing happened. The pilot did not feather the right propeller and began moving switches near the boost pump switches.
Passenger Observations
An ATP passenger reported that he did not think the left engine was producing full power. He scanned the manifold pressure gauges, noting one needle at zero and the other at 25 inches, while the expected manifold pressure should have been 39 inches. The passenger observed trees ahead and believed the pilot was attempting a forced landing in an open field to the left. He realized the airplane would collide with the trees. Just before impact, the pilot feathered the right engine; the passenger saw the right propeller go into feather position and come to a complete stop.
Examination Findings
Examination of the right engine revealed no anomalies. Examination of the left engine found that the starter adapter gear teeth had failed due to overload.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was the pilot's improper identification of a partial loss of engine power on initial takeoff climb, resulting in a collision with trees and the ground. A contributing factor was a partial failure of the left engine starter adapter due to overload.