Event Summary
A commercial pilot, accompanied by a passenger holding a student pilot certificate, departed from runway 18R for a local flight in a multi-engine airplane. The pilot held a flight instructor certificate for single-engine airplanes. Shortly after takeoff, the tower controller reported smoke emanating from the left side of the airplane. The pilot acknowledged, stating they would "fix it," and entered a left downwind for runway 18R, adding that no assistance was needed. The controller then cleared the airplane to land on runway 18L, which the pilot acknowledged.
Witness Observations and Video Evidence
Two witnesses reported seeing smoke coming from the left engine. Still images from airport security video captured the airplane before it turned to land, showing white smoke trailing and the landing gear extended. The airplane was subsequently observed in a steep left turn to final approach, exceeding 90° of bank, before it impacted terrain in a near-vertical attitude just short of the runway. A postcrash fire ensued.
Postcrash Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the left engine's propeller was not being driven by the engine at impact and was not in the feathered position. The landing gear was found extended. The right engine propeller blades exhibited damage consistent with the engine operating at high power at impact. No preimpact anomalies were found in the airframe or engines, though the examinations were limited by impact and fire damage, which precluded inspection of associated hoses and lines.
Investigation Findings
The white smoke observed from the left side of the airplane was likely the result of an oil leak that allowed oil to contact hot exterior engine surfaces, but this could not be verified due to engine damage. There was no evidence of oil starvation for either engine. Both the extended landing gear and the non-feathered left propeller would have increased aerodynamic drag. According to the pilot's operating procedures for an engine failure during climb, the affected engine should be feathered and landing gear raised until the pilot is certain of reaching the field; therefore, it is unlikely that the pilot followed the applicable checklists in response to the situation. Additionally, the change from landing on runway 18R to 18L reduced the turn radius and increased the required angle of bank. The increased left bank, the right engine operating at high power, and the increased drag likely decreased the airplane's airspeed below its minimum controllable airspeed (Vmc), resulting in a loss of control.