Aircraft Accident: Loss of Engine Power and Terrain Impact (N421AG)

Accident Description and Immediate Sequence of Events About two minutes after takeoff, the pilot declared an emergency, stating that he had lost an engine and needed to return to the airport. The airplane subsequently descended into rough, brush-covered terrain and struck a large dirt berm approximately 1-1/2 miles northeast of the departure airport. The surviving passenger reported that the airplane could not maintain altitude but did not recall any dramatic engine problems. The pilot and front seat passenger were not wearing shoulder harnesses at the time of the accident. ## Post-Accident Examination and Findings Examination of the engines did not reveal any obvious mechanical malfunction, and the fuel was found to be correct. Combustion chamber signatures indicated that the engines were operated at a lean or mild detonation condition. The flaps were extended about 30 degrees and the landing gear was retracted at the time of the impact. ## Probable Cause The official findings determined that the probable cause of the accident was a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. The pilot's failure to raise the flaps and maintain altitude were identified as factors in the accident.