Accident Sequence
Shortly after takeoff, the commercial pilot noticed flames emanating from the left engine nacelle area. He responded by retarding the throttle and turning off the fuel boost pump, but the fire did not subside. The pilot then feathered the propeller and shut down the engine while maneuvering the airplane below the cloud layer to remain in the local traffic pattern. He attempted to keep the runway environment in sight, though the aircraft drifted in and out of clouds. Unable to align the airplane for landing on the departure runway, he attempted to land on another runway. When he realized that airspeed was decreasing and the airplane would not reach that runway, he landed it on an adjacent grass field. After touchdown, the landing gear separated, and the airplane came to a stop. The airframe sustained substantial damage to the wings and lower fuselage.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the left engine revealed evidence of a fuel leak where the fuel mixture control shaft inserted into the fuel injector body. This leak likely allowed fuel to escape onto the hot turbocharger during flight, which likely caused the in-flight fire. A review of recent maintenance records did not show any entries regarding maintenance or repair of the fuel injection system.
Visibility Conditions
The pilot reported that clouds were as low as 500 feet with rain, snow, and reduced visibility at the time of the accident. These conditions likely reduced his ability to see the runway and maneuver the airplane to land on it.