Accident Overview
Shortly after a night takeoff from Cleveland-Hopkins Airport, the left engine of the airplane experienced a loss of power. The aircraft subsequently lost airspeed and altitude, struck trees and the roof of a house, and crashed. The pilot was killed, and the other occupant sustained serious injuries.
Sequence of Events
Following departure, the left engine failed. The airplane decelerated and descended, colliding with trees and a residential structure before impacting the ground. No further details about the flight path or emergency procedures were provided in the source.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation identified the probable cause as a powerplant failure for an undetermined reason. Several contributing factors were reported: the pilot failed to maintain flying speed; there was inadequate preflight preparation; the aircraft was improperly loaded, exceeding the forward center of gravity limit by 6.36 inches; and the left engine failed for an unknown reason.