Accident Overview
Shortly after liftoff, while climbing by night, the left engine lost power and failed. The crew feathered the propeller and retracted the landing gear and flaps. The aircraft subsequently lost height and crash landed near the end of the runway. Both pilots escaped uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it beyond repair. The flight was a charter operation for Relief Air Transport.
Flight and Engine Failure
The accident occurred during the initial climb phase, immediately following departure. The left engine experienced a sudden loss of power and failed, prompting the crew to feather the propeller to reduce drag. The undercarriage and flaps were retracted as part of normal climb procedures, but the aircraft could not maintain altitude and descended rapidly.
Landing and Aftermath
The aircraft crash landed in the vicinity of the runway end. While the pilots were uninjured and able to evacuate, the aircraft was damaged beyond economic repair. The charter flight was being operated under contract by Relief Air Transport.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident was the failure of the left engine during initial climb for unknown reasons. No specific cause for the failure could be identified.