What happened
During the initial climb phase following takeoff, the crew attempted to increase power to maximum except takeoff (METO) settings. Upon the pilot-in-command applying this power, the left engine experienced a loss of power. The pilot-in-command assumed control of the aircraft and instructed the co-pilot to feather the left propeller; however, this instruction was not heard by the co-pilot.
While maintaining a wings-level attitude and an indicated airspeed of 90 knots, the Douglas DC-3 descended into a wooded area before striking a paved street in a rural residential area. Following the impact, a fire broke out, destroying the main fuselage and the cockpit section. There were 2 fatalities involved in the accident.
Findings
An investigation of the throttle quadrant showed that while the right engine throttle was forward and the mixture controls were at the autorich position, the left engine throttle was set to idle. No mechanical anomalies were found during the examination of the left engine.
An FAA operations inspector noted that maintaining a speed of 90 knots without feathering the propeller would lead to a descent. Additionally, it was determined that the pilot and co-pilot had not performed a proficiency or flight check for the Douglas DC-3 within the preceding 24 months. The failure to feather the propeller was a critical factor in the loss of altitude.