Santa Ana

The aircraft crashed into a residence 2 miles short of the runway after loss of power on the left engine. This engine was feathered, the gear was extended, but the flaps remained up as the aircraft continued the landing approach. Post accident investigation revealed no irregularities in the functioning of the aircraft. The pilot had radioed the report of power loss but had stated that he would not need the emergency equipment. The aircraft crashed in Sepulveda and was destroyed. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

The aircraft lost power on the left engine during climb to cruise approximately 8 minutes after takeoff. Airport manager heard unicom transmission from N36CA, 'we lost an engine, we're coming back.' A warning horn (possibly gear warning or stall horn) was heard in the background of the transmission. When N36CA failed to return the airport manager called the sheriff and began search in his own aircraft. N36CA was located approximately one hour after it's departure. The forced landing was in a flat, wings level attitude with 22° of flaps extended. Initial impact occurred in area of 8 feet high brush. Distance from initial impact to final rest was 595 feet on heading of 140°. Although restrained by lap belt and harness, pilot hit head on copilot's control yoke during the accident. The left eng turbine blade had failed in fatigue. The pilot's son said his father shut down the right engine in-flight and as a result the aircraft had no power on either engine. All three occupants were injured.

While descending to Santa Ana Airport, the left engine failed and caught fire. The crew was able to continue the approach, landed safely and stopped the airplane on the runway. While all four occupants evacuated safely, the aircraft was destroyed by fire.

Crashed in unknown circumstances while on a cargo flight.