What happened
During the takeoff phase, a twin-engine airplane experienced a sudden loss of control. After the pilot notified air traffic control of an ongoing issue, the aircraft was observed rolling to the left and pitching its nose downward before striking the ground. Witnesses at the scene noted that the left engine was emitting black smoke during the takeoff roll. Some observers reported that the aircraft's speed had decreased to roughly 60-70 mph before the leftward roll occurred.
Prior to the accident, the aircraft had been subject to recent maintenance regarding the left engine's performance. A mechanic had previously addressed an issue where the engine was unable to maintain manifold pressure, discovering that a rubber interconnect boot—responsible for routing induction air between the fuel servo and the turbocharger controller elbow—was significantly open. Although the mechanic had reseated the boot and tightened the clamp, and the pilot had subsequently flown the aircraft without reported issues, the problem recurred during a second flight.
On the morning of the accident, the pilot had informed the mechanic that the same hose had slipped off again, though the pilot expressed confidence in the repair. An eyewitness also observed the pilot performing work on the left engine on the day of the crash.
Findings
Post-accident investigation of the wreckage revealed that the left engine's interconnect boot had become disconnected. While the engine, propellers, turbochargers, and fuel servos showed no other abnormalities, the clamp intended to secure the boot was missing from the site. The disconnection of the induction air boot was the primary factor leading to the engine's inability to maintain necessary pressure.