At 1705 Eastern time, the airplane crashed into a wooded area one mile off the departure runways end. The commercial pilot was killed; the three passengers received minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. During liftoff, as the landing gear was retracted, the right engine stopped and the pilot feathered its propeller. The pilot declared an emergency and advised ATC he would be returning. Shortly thereafter, power was lost to the left engine. The pilot elected to make an emergency landing in a wooded area behind a residential home. The fuselage, cockpit, instrument control panel and cabin were substantially damaged by impact forces and a post-crash fire. The left wing was heavily fire-damaged. Approximately 30 gallons of fuel were discovered in the right main fuel tank. The fuel did not contain any water or debris. Both the left and right engines top eight spark plugs were removed and examined. They all exhibited light gray deposits and normal wear. The cockpit fuel selectors and the crossfeed switch were melted, but the respective fuel selector valves were recovered. The electric crossfeed valve was fire-damaged. The left and right fuel valves were retained for further examination.
February 8, 2010, Lawrenceville, Ga., Beech 65 Queen Air
At 1705 Eastern time, the airplane crashed into a wooded area one mile off the departure runways end. The commercial pilot was killed; the three passengers received minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Key Takeaways:
- A commercial pilot was killed and three passengers sustained minor injuries when their airplane crashed shortly after takeoff, following the sequential loss of power in both engines.
- The pilot declared an emergency and attempted to return after the right engine failed during liftoff, but a subsequent loss of power in the left engine forced an emergency landing in a wooded area.
- Initial investigation revealed substantial aircraft damage and a post-crash fire; 30 gallons of uncontaminated fuel were found in the right tank, spark plugs were normal, and fuel system components were retained for further examination.
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