Beechcraft H18

Atr pilot departing airport under VMC experienced failure of the right engine shortly after lift-off. The aircraft yawed right followed by a steep right roll, contacting power lines with the right wing and subsequently impacted the ground. A post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft with the exception of both engines and a portion of the right wing panel. The engine failed due to lack of lubrication to the impeller shaft caused by blockage of oil jet due to fod. Oil line from scavenge sump to scavenge pump inlet had been replaced prior to accident. The aircraft had experienced maintenance problem (oil leak) approximately 2 weeks prior to accident. Source of fod is undetermined. Both occupants were killed.

The flight had not yet been scheduled when the pilot retired for the evening at 2230 to 2300 est. At 0230, he was awoken and notified to make a night cargo flight. The owner obtained a weather briefing and filed a flight plan, then briefed the pilot later. The pilot arrived at the airport at 0430. He preflighted the aircraft while the owner updated the weather briefing. The aircraft was cleared as filed with a clearance void time of 0500; the clearance was radioed to the pilot by unicom. During takeoff, at 0510, the aircraft was observed climbing northbound to aprx 800 feet agl in moderate snowfall with the landing light on. A short time later, the aircraft crashed approximately one mile northeast of the airport while in a steep nose down, right wing low attitude. No pre- impact part failure/malfunction was found. Reportedly, when the pilot 1st hired on, he exaggerated his flight experience; he had problems with instrument flying and was not scheduled for flights in marginal weather; and he was given extra help. At the time of the accident, snow was falling, mixed icing was forecast in clouds and there was a sigmet for moderate to severe turbulences below 8,000 feet. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

During takeoff at about 50 feet agl and 4,000 feet down runway 04R, the right engine lost power. According to the pilot, his airspeed was 105 mph and the right engine 'popped' before it lost power. He also stated that power on the left engine deteriorated after the the right prop was feathered. The aircraft went into a right bank and the pilot maintained control of the aircraft until impact with the water. Examination of the right engine revealed that the right magneto, american bosch sb9ru-3, ser #b88470, was not timed correctly. Disassembly of the magneto revealed that all except 11 distributor gear teeth were stripped off. At the time of the power loss of the right engine, about 5,000 feet of rwy was remaining.

The pilot landed on the ice and snow covered runway after loading 1,512 lbs of cargo in freezing drizzle conditions, he taxied for takeoff for an IFR departure shortly after rotation, the right wing dropped and the aircraft touched down back on the runway. Visual exam of the aircraft revealed ice accumulations on the leading edges and upper wing surfaces. The pilot attempted to get deice equipment, which was not available. The pilot was offered use of a hangar which he declined. The airport manager was en route to check runway condition for plowing the ice and snow covered runway when the pilot returned to the aircraft. An unsuccessful attempt was made to remove ice from the leading edges by hand. The pilot decided to attempt another takeoff and at this time was almost 1/2 hour beyond his scheduled departure time. Liftoff was approximately 1/5 of way down and after flying at 50 feet agl initiated climb. After attaining an altitude of several hundred feet, the aircraft stalled and descended uncontrolled to impact. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire and the pilot was fatally injured.

While en route, the pilot encountered icing conditions, then reported he was unable to maintain altitude and was having engine problems. He diverted toward Allentown, PA, then advised he had lost power in the left engine. Approach control began issuing vectors for a VOR approach; however, the pilot advised he was unable to open his approach plates and requested a surveillance radar approach. Radar vectors and advisories were provided until the pilot reported he had the airport in sight. Several witnesses observed that the left prop was feathered as the aircraft approached the airport. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft to a left downwind for runway 24 at about 400 feet agl with the landing gear extended. Witnesses reported the aircraft's nose pitch up, then down, then the aircraft rolled to the left and crashed. In a trailer court it hit a mobile home and a propane tank and burned. A person in the mobile home was fatally injured. An exam of the wreckage revealed the left prop blades were at the low pitch stops. No preimpact failures were found.

About one minute after takeoff, between 400-500 feet msl and during the first power reduction, the right engine backfired. Following some more violent backfires the rpm went to zero. The right engine was restarted but the same result occurred. The pilot attempted to feather the right prop but to no avail. The aircraft was then deliberately ditched to avoid an outcropping of lava. The aircraft came to rest in about 25-30 feet of water. Engine inspection revealed that the #2 cylinder exhaust rocker arm shaft, p/n45937, was missing. Drive train continuity was established with the exception of the #2 exhaust valve. Centrifugal stops prevent feathering of the prop below an engine speed of 500 rpm. All 10 occupants were rescued.

Just after liftoff from runway 29R, the aircraft began to pitch up. As the pitch up progressed, the pilot applied right aileron and full right rudder. The aircraft responded by rolling to the right with the nose falling thru. Subsequently, the pilot was able to pull out before the aircraft hit the ground. It collided with a 6 feet wire fence which tore off the engines and caused the aircraft to rotate clockwise on the ground. Cargo in the aircraft was thrown thru the side of the fuselage. The pilot exited the aircraft without injury. The aircraft immediately burst into flames and the fuselage was badly burned. An investigation revealed that 2,989 lbs of freight plus a 359 lb motorcycle were being carried between bulkheads 5 & 11. The bulkhead loads were limited to 450 lbs (5-8) and 300 lbs (8-10). The max gross weight at takeoff was estimated to be 10,310 lbs. The pilot reported that none of the freight was tied down.

On approach to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport by night, while completing touch-and-go manoeuvres, the pilot decided to make a go-around. With gear down and in full flaps configuration, the twin engine airplane stalled and crashed, bursting into flames. Both occupants were killed.

While in normal cruise, the pilot reported severe icing conditions when both engines lost power. He attempted an emergency landing when the airplane crashed in an isolated area located near Newhall. Both occupants were killed.

En route on a cargo flight from New York-LaGuardia Airport to Pittsburgh, while cruising by night in poor weather conditions, the twin engine airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed on a mountain located near Troxelville, Pennsylvania. The wreckage was found three days later and the pilot, sole on board, was killed. At the time of the accident, the visibility was reduced due to foggy conditions and weather was poor with icing conditions.