Accident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft conducting an IFR flight plan crashed and was consumed by fire shortly after takeoff in darkness. The weather at the time was reported as indefinite ceiling, zero obscuration, visibility 1/4 mile with fog, and wind from 120° at 5 knots.
Witness Observations
Several witnesses heard the aircraft before and after takeoff. Their statements consistently indicated that one engine lost power while the other continued operating at a high power setting.
Investigation Findings
An intense post-crash fire destroyed most of the aircraft. Evidence indicated the aircraft struck the ground in a steep nose-down, right-wing-low attitude and did not move after impact. The right propeller was found in a feathered position; the left propeller blades were curled and twisted. Both engines were disassembled, but no mechanical failure was found. The landing gear and flaps were retracted, and the cowl flaps were closed.
Casualties
All three occupants were killed.
Official Probable Cause
The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the accident had three occurrences:
- Occurrence #1: Loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb, with the reason for the loss undetermined.
- Occurrence #2: Loss of control in flight during maneuvering for an emergency turn to a landing area, due to the pilot not maintaining airspeed (VMC) and not maintaining aircraft handling, with contributing factors of dark night light conditions and weather conditions below approach/landing minimums (low ceiling, fog).
- Occurrence #3: Uncontrolled descent resulting in in-flight collision with terrain/water.