Overview
Company personnel reported that the left engine had a problem preventing it from initially producing 100 percent power in the weeks before the accident. The accident pilot and maintenance personnel attempted to correct the discrepancy, but it was not corrected before the accident flight. The airplane had been flown with the known discrepancy on previous flights.
Takeoff and Initial Events
Witnesses observed a portion of the takeoff roll, which they described as slower than normal. The airplane traveled the entire length of the 4,501-foot runway, continued through a 300-foot-long grassy area and a 300-foot-long soybean field, then impacted the top of 10-foot-tall corn stalks for about 50 feet before beginning to climb.
In-Flight and Impact
About half a mile from the airport, the airplane impacted several trees in a left-wing, nose-low attitude, consistent with being operated below the minimum controllable airspeed. The main wreckage was consumed by postimpact fire.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examinations revealed no evidence of mechanical anomalies with the airframe, right engine, or propellers that would have precluded normal operation. Given the left engine's preexisting condition, its performance was likely degraded; however, postimpact damage and fire precluded a determination of the cause of the problem.