On December 30, 2004, a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) (registration N601DF) operated by Kline and Associates was involved in an aviation accident near Hamilton-Ravalli County, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A partial loss of engine power due to the lack of lubrication and subsequent failure of the left engine's right turbocharger for undetermined reasons, and subsequent forced landing after takeoff. A factor was the unsuitable terrain for the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
After takeoff, a left engine power loss caused the airplane to veer left and impact uphill terrain. Postaccident examination revealed turbocharger failure from lack of lubrication. No pre-takeoff anomalies were noted.
Accident Details
Shortly after takeoff and landing gear retraction, the pilot observed a loss of power from the left engine. The airplane subsequently yawed left and collided with rising terrain in a left-wing-low attitude. The impact initiated a fire that consumed the left side of the aircraft.
Examination Findings
A postaccident examination of the left engine revealed thermal damage but no evidence of impact damage. The right-hand turbocharger of that engine exhibited neither thermal nor impact damage. Further inspection showed no restrictions within the center section of the turbocharger, and the housing and impeller were intact. However, the impeller was seized in the center section and could not rotate. Grooving and scraping marks were observed, consistent with a lack of lubrication to the bearings and drive shaft. The pilot reported no mechanical issues with the aircraft prior to departure that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was a partial loss of engine power due to the lack of lubrication and subsequent failure of the left engine's right turbocharger for undetermined reasons, and subsequent forced landing after takeoff. A contributing factor was the unsuitable terrain for the forced landing.