What happened
Shortly after departing from an intersection located 2,100 feet from the start of a 6,700-foot runway, the aircraft experienced a failure of its right engine. In response to the engine loss, the pilot feathered the right propeller and initiated a wide right-hand turn to avoid terrain while attempting to return to the airfield. During this maneuver, the aircraft's airspeed failed to reach 90 knots, and both altitude and airspeed steadily decreased. The flight ended when the aircraft ditched into a body of smooth water.
At the time of departure, the aircraft was operating at an estimated takeoff weight of 6,606 pounds with full fuel tanks. Following the incident, an examination of the cowl flaps revealed they were positioned at 50% open.
Findings
An investigation of the right engine involved disassembly, which revealed no mechanical anomalies within the engine itself. Furthermore, the fuel system showed no signs of malfunction or irregularity. Data indicates that the optimal single-engine rate of climb airspeed for this aircraft is 106 knots, provided the cowl flaps are closed and the aircraft maintains a five-degree bank into the functioning engine.