Accident Overview
On an unspecified date, a twin-engine airplane operating scheduled service flight OH444 from Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Airport (Greater Cincinnati) to Nashville was destroyed when it crashed shortly after takeoff. The aircraft carried seven passengers and one pilot.
Sequence of Events
After a takeoff roll of approximately 1,500 to 2,000 feet on runway 18, the pilot initiated rotation. During the initial climb, at an altitude of about 150 feet, the right engine lost power. The airplane then entered a right turn, lost altitude, and crashed into a field located 1,188 feet west of runway 18.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces, and all eight occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was the loss of control following a partial loss of power immediately after liftoff. The report stated that the accident could have been avoided if either the pilot had rejected the takeoff or had raised the landing gear and flaps. The pilot's failure to take decisive action may have been due to preoccupation with correcting the malfunction and a lack of familiarity with the aircraft and its emergency procedures. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's inexperience in multiengine aircraft, a hurried departure, inadequate training, inexperienced company management, and ineffective FAA certification and surveillance of the operator.
Investigation Findings
Investigators determined that the right engine suffered a partial loss of power shortly after liftoff, leading to asymmetric thrust and a subsequent loss of control. The pilot did not perform a rejected takeoff or configure the aircraft for climb, which may have prevented the accident. The pilot's workload during the malfunction and insufficient familiarity with the aircraft were considered relevant factors.