Runway 21 Collision After Right-Engine Failure (N3433Y)

Incident Overview and Initial Events Shortly after takeoff, the copilot reported that the flight was returning with the right engine shut down. Seconds later, the tower controller observed a fire. The aircraft subsequently collided with level terrain located 3,450 feet from the end of runway 21. At the time of impact, the aircraft was in a nose-down attitude of 75 to 80 degrees. ## Post-Crash Examination Investigators found the right engine propeller in the feathered position. The left engine showed evidence that it was producing power at the time of impact. A fatigue crack was identified that separated the head from the barrel on the number eight cylinder of the right engine. No other evidence indicated a mechanical failure or malfunction. ## Casualties and Findings Both pilots were killed in the accident. The official probable cause was determined to be the failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain airspeed. Factors contributing to the accident included cylinder fatigue, dark night conditions, and a stall encountered.