What happened
During an on-demand cargo charter operation, the pilot encountered difficulties with the left engine shortly after departing the airfield. The pilot contacted air traffic control to request a return to the airport, stating the need to land due to the engine trouble. To facilitate the return, the pilot initiated a left traffic pattern.
Following the takeoff, GPS tracking indicated the aircraft performed a left turn toward a southeasterly heading, reaching a peak altitude of approximately 959 feet. The aircraft then entered a subsequent left turn that continued until the final recorded position. The final GPS data point was situated roughly 135 feet from the crash site, which was located approximately 0.50 mile southeast of the runway's displaced threshold.
Findings
Analysis of GPS data and local wind conditions indicated that the aircraft's airspeed had dropped to approximately 45 knots during the turn. This speed was significantly below the 59-knot stall speed specified in the aircraft flight manual for level flight with flaps extended. While the pilot had reported issues with the left engine, post-accident inspections of the airframe and engines found no mechanical failures that would have prevented normal operation, leaving the specific nature of the engine issue undetermined. The investigation concluded that the pilot failed to maintain sufficient airspeed during the turn, leading to an aerodynamic stall and spin.