Accident Description
The aircraft, operating as general aviation flight 115, was departing on a routine night flight. During takeoff and initial climb, the left engine lost power. The flight crew attempted to control the climb-out, but after the application of water-methanol, the pilot lost directional control. The aircraft then banked to the left, entered a descent, and impacted the ground between the parallel runways.
Investigation Findings
An investigation disclosed that the left propeller's blade angle was 21 degrees. No preimpact system malfunction or failure was found. The cockpit voice recording indicated that the flight crew did not complete all items on the before taxi/takeoff checklist. One item not completed was a check of the high-pressure (h.p.) cock levers. The checklist required that the h.p. cock levers be in the 'cruise lockout' position for takeoff. The left h.p. cock lever was found between the 'fuel off' and 'feather' positions. Movement to this position would have deactivated the auto-feather system and shut down the left engine.
Sequence of Events
The loss of engine power occurred during the takeoff initial climb phase. The flight crew then attempted to control the aircraft, but the application of water-methanol led to a loss of directional control. The aircraft banked left, entered an uncontrolled descent, and collided with terrain.
Official Probable Cause
The official probable cause comprises three occurrences:
- Occurrence #1: Loss of engine power (total) - nonmechanical. Findings: inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot in command, checklist not followed, improper use of powerplant controls by the pilot in command, and fuel starvation.
- Occurrence #2: Loss of control in flight. Findings: improper emergency procedure by the pilot in command, propeller feathering not performed, remedial action not attained by the copilot, and airspeed (Vmc) not maintained by the pilot in command. Directional control was not possible, and the descent was uncontrolled.
- Occurrence #3: In flight collision with terrain/water. Finding: terrain condition was ground.