Accident Overview
On a cargo flight from Chicago-Midway Airport to Bloomington via Peoria, the pilot encountered a loss of power on the left engine shortly after takeoff. The pilot initiated a return to the airport for an emergency landing. During the attempt, the airplane entered a tight turn, lost altitude, struck trees, and crashed in a wooded area. The impact resulted in a fire. The pilot, the sole occupant, was killed.
Sequence of Events
After departure, the pilot reported engine trouble and began maneuvering back toward the airport. Witnesses observed the aircraft in a tight turn before it descended and hit trees. The airplane subsequently burst into flames upon impact.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be engine failure due to valve assemblies material failure. Contributing factors included the pilot's failure to follow approved procedures, a forced landing off airport on land, and the No. 5 exhaust valve seat in the left engine coming out of recession. A witness also reported seeing the aircraft in a tight turn as it attempted to return to the airport.