What happened
During the initial climb phase following takeoff, the crew identified that the right engine had shut down. The co-pilot notified air traffic control that the aircraft was attempting an immediate return to the airport. Almost simultaneously, ground controllers observed flames emanating from the engine area.
As the aircraft attempted to maneuver, it struck level ground approximately 3,450 feet beyond the end of runway 21. At the moment of impact, the aircraft type was positioned in a steep nose-down attitude, between 75° and 80°. The accident resulted in two fatalities, as both pilots were killed.
Findings
Post-accident investigations revealed that the propeller on the right engine had been moved to the feathered position. While the left engine showed signs of producing power during the descent, a mechanical defect was identified in the right engine. Specifically, investigators located a fatigue crack that had caused the head of the number eight cylinder to separate from its barrel.
Contributing elements to the crash included the lack of visibility due to darkness and the occurrence of an aerodynamic stall. The official determination noted that the pilot failed to maintain sufficient airspeed during the emergency.