What happened
During the initial climb phase following departure from Gulfport-Biloxi Airport, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure of its right engine. Upon the loss of power, the co-pilot notified air traffic control regarding the emergency, and the flight was authorized to return to the airport for an unplanned landing.
Shortly after this notification, the aircraft entered a stall and descended into a residential area in Long Beach, located southeast of the airfield. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. The accident claimed the lives of two people (the pilot and one passenger), while 10 other occupants sustained injuries.
Findings
Investigations determined that the right engine failed because a piston ring in the number 3 cylinder failed, an event triggered by oil starvation. This mechanical breakdown was attributed to inadequate maintenance and inspection protocols.
Several contributing factors were identified during the investigation, including:
- The crew's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed
- Ineffective coordination between the crew members
- Suboptimal execution of emergency procedures
- Improper management of the powerplant during the crisis
- Failure to feather the right propeller