Accident Sequence
A witness at the airport reported that the airplane used approximately half of the 8,000-foot runway during its takeoff roll, and the subsequent climb out appeared "very flat." During the climb, the pilot informed the tower controller that the airplane had "lost an engine" and announced intentions to return to the runway. The controller observed the airplane continuing straight out and appearing to lose altitude.
Witnesses located north of the airport saw the airplane flying low and described its engine noises as "erratic," "skipping," "sputtering," and producing "some sort of backfire." One witness stated the airplane was moving slowly to the north with a high nose-up angle, and that it "appeared to stall" before diving vertically into the trees.
Site Examination
Examination of the accident site revealed that wreckage debris and broken trees were scattered over an area of approximately 120 feet. The airframe, both engines, and the right propeller sustained fire damage. The left propeller, the top forward portion of the left engine case, and the left propeller gear shaft and bearings were not located. Examination of the recovered components showed no evidence of mechanical malfunction could be determined.
According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook for the Piper PA-31P, the stall speed for the airplane with the gear and flaps up at a weight of 7,800 pounds is 80 KCAS (81 KIAS).
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering on initial takeoff climb, resulting in an inadvertent stall, loss of control, and subsequent in-flight collision with trees and a swamp. A factor in the accident was a reported loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.