On June 10, 1993, a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II (registration N699DT) operated by Five Star Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Gadsden, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the left engine turbocharger due to rotor shaft seizure, which resulted in a loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A pilot reported a loud noise and smoke from the left engine after takeoff, feathered the propeller, and force-landed in wooded terrain. The aircraft caught fire and was destroyed. Inspection revealed a seized turbocharger rotor shaft.
Overview
According to the pilot's report, shortly after takeoff from runway 36, a loud noise was heard from the left engine area. Smoke was observed trailing the left engine nacelle. The pilot confirmed that the left engine was losing power and subsequently feathered the left propeller. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot performed a forced landing on wooded terrain. The aircraft caught fire after colliding with trees and was destroyed.
Inspection Findings
An inspection of the left engine turbocharger revealed that the rotor shaft was seized. Evidence of metal transfer to the bearing journals was noted, consistent with a seizure event.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is the failure of the left engine turbocharger due to rotor shaft seizure, which resulted in a loss of engine power.