What happened
During a climb phase immediately following departure from Oklahoma City-Clarence E. Page Airport, the crew experienced a mechanical failure involving one of the engines. The co-pilot declared an emergency situation, and air traffic control provided clearance for the aircraft to return to the airfield.
As the flight attempted to execute an emergency landing, the airplane lost altitude. During this maneuver, the crew lost control of the aircraft type, which subsequently crashed on land a short distance from the airport. The accident resulted in one fatality and one serious injury.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the aircraft entered a stall during its final approach. This loss of control was triggered by an engine failure resulting from the breakage of the master and connecting rods. Several contributing factors were identified regarding the condition of the aircraft and the execution of emergency protocols:
- The engine failure was caused by a fatigue fracture in the connecting rods.
- The crew did not adhere to established emergency procedures during the descent.
- The landing gear had not been retracted, and flaps were extended.
- The aircraft was operated despite known mechanical deficiencies, including a previously observed magneto drop on the right engine.
- Maintenance and inspection processes were found to be inadequate, leaving the aircraft in an unairworthy state.