Crash of a Rockwell Grand Commander 680 in Bayport: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jul 28, 1983 at 1515 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N6878S
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Bayport - Islip
MSN:
680-409-85
YOM:
1956
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
4000
Aircraft flight hours:
4967
Circumstances:
At about 60 feet agl black smoke was observed coming from the left engine. The aircraft continued a climb in a nose high attitude and the nose pitched down and the aircraft rolled inverted. Engine teardown revealed extensive damage to the supercharger assembly. The impeller shaft was bent and its associated bearing damaged. The aircraft had not flown for about 14 years. Engine service instructions describe pre-oiling of the supercharger drive shaft bearing after any prolonged period of inactivity. The owner, a paraplegic, was seated in the left seat. The pilot seated in the right seat had a history of heart and pulmonary disease. The gear and flaps were in the down position. Prior to departure, a witness asked the owner 'are you doing the elevators and ailerons and is he your rudders.' the owner responded with 'we have an arrangement'. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Occurrence #1: loss of engine power(total) - mechanical failure/malfunction
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) maintenance, service bulletin/letter - not followed - company maintenance personnel
2. (c) engine assembly, blower/impeller/integral supercharger - failure, total
3. (c) maintenance, lubrication - not performed - company maintenance personnel
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Occurrence #2: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
4. (c) aircraft handling - uncontrolled - pilot in command
5. (c) incapacitation (other cardiovascular) - pilot in command
6. (c) airspeed (VMC) - not possible - unqualified person
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Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Final Report: