What happened
While operating under IFR conditions in VFR weather, the crew was climbing from 3,000 to 4,000 feet when the right engine lost power. In response to the failure, the pilots diverted to an uncontrolled airfield, secured the malfunctioning engine, and cancelled their IFR clearance. During the approach to runway 15, the crew attempted a go-around using only the remaining engine. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a significant yaw and roll to the right, eventually striking power lines and crashing in a right-wing-low attitude.
Findings
The investigation identified several contributing factors to the accident. The primary cause was the flight crew's failure to maintain minimum controllable airspeed (VMC) during the single-engine go-around. Technical analysis of the wreckage showed that the landing gear was in transit and the flaps were retracted at the time of impact. While the left engine was producing power, the right propeller had been feathered.
A mechanical failure was identified in the right engine's fuel system, specifically a ruptured diaphragm within the distributor valve assembly. This component was an older black-colored version that should have been replaced with a red fluorosilicone part during the engine overhaul, per Bendix Service Bulletin RS-76. Although the engine had been overhauled in 1992, the distributor valve assemblies were not tested during maintenance performed in late 1997.
Additional contributing factors included:
- The aircraft was operating at 116.3 lbs over its maximum allowable gross weight.
- The center of gravity was located 1.3 inches forward of the permitted range.
- There was no documented evidence that either pilot possessed flight experience specifically in this aircraft model.
- A history of fuel flow irregularities in the right engine had been previously noted.