At about 0745 Central time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it collided with a hedgerow during a forced landing following a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. The solo commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Part 135 on-demand cargo flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
After takeoff, the airplane was cleared to climb on a westerly heading. At 0742:13, the pilot transmitted that his airplane had experienced a loss of engine power and that he was attempting to return to the departure airport. At 0743:46, the pilot advised the airplane’s windshield was covered with oil. Initial examination revealed compressor turbine blade separation.
