Engine Failure Leads to Crash Near Oklahoma City Airport (N6818S)

Accident Summary

Shortly after takeoff from Oklahoma City-Clarence E. Page Airport, during the climb, the copilot declared an emergency due to an engine failure and was cleared to return to the airport. The airplane then lost altitude. While the crew attempted an emergency landing, they lost control of the airplane, which crashed a few miles from the airfield. The accident resulted in the death of one pilot and serious injury to the second occupant.

Probable Cause and Contributing Factors

The investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a stall on final approach resulting from an engine failure, which was caused by the failure of the master and connecting rods. Several contributing factors were identified: fatigue fracture; failure to follow approved procedures; failure to retract the landing gear; improper emergency procedures; attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment; inadequate maintenance and inspection; partial loss of power on one engine; complete engine failure on one engine; forced landing off airport on land; connecting rod failure on the left engine; the pilot being aware of an 800-1,000 rpm magneto drop on the right engine; flaps and landing gear down; and the aircraft being unairworthy.