What happened
During the takeoff phase from Ellington Air Force Base, the flight crew encountered mechanical difficulties involving the right engine. After notifying air traffic control of the technical issues, the crew initially intended to return to the airfield for an emergency arrival. However, as the situation progressed, the captain determined that a standard landing was unfeasible and instead executed an emergency descent toward the I-45 highway.
The aircraft performed a belly landing on the roadway, sliding several yards before coming to a complete stop. Although the two pilots were able to exit the wreckage without any injuries, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
Investigations into the incident identified that the right propeller oversped, which served as the primary catalyst for the emergency. Several contributing factors were noted during the analysis of the accident:
- The aircraft was operating at a weight exceeding its limits by 1,129 pounds.
- Issues related to powerplant accessories and the presence of foreign materials were identified.
- Maintenance and inspection protocols were found to be inadequate.
- There were deficiencies in preflight preparation and adherence to approved operational procedures.
- The crew's emergency response and the decision to perform a wheels-up landing were scrutinized.
- Mechanical issues involving the landing gear system and contact with wires were also documented.