What happened
During a scheduled service from Gibraltar to Bovingdon, UK, the aircraft type experienced a significant mechanical issue during its initial climb. At approximately 16:10 local time, while the pilot was reducing throttle to reach the required climbing speed, a rapid decrease in power was observed on the port engine at an altitude of roughly 50 meters.
In response to the failure, the pilot executed emergency procedures by shutting down the affected engine and feathering its propeller. Despite increasing power to the starboard engine, the aircraft was unable to maintain a safe airspeed without descending. To avoid a more dangerous impact, the pilot opted for a wheels-up landing in an open field located south of the airfield.
The aircraft made contact with the ground and slid approximately 100 meters before rotating and coming to a stop. The incident resulted in one injury sustained by the co-pilot, while the other four crew members and all twenty-six passengers escaped without harm.
Findings
Investigations into the engine failure revealed that the propeller governor's articulated control rod had become disconnected. This mechanical failure was attributed to the absence of a split pin on the governor spindle, combined with a ball-joint control spindle nut that had been loosened by force.